Mowing Effects on Root Production, Growth, and Mortality of Creeping Bentgrass

Abstract

Understanding the response of root growth for creeping bentgrass {Agrostis palustris Huds. [ = A stolonifera var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.]} to different mowing regimes will help develop effective management practices to maintain high quality turf. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of mowing height on root elongation, production, and mortality for two creeping bentgrass cultivars throughout the growing season, particularly during summer months. ‘Crenshaw’ and ‘Penncross’ grown in a USGA-specification putting green were mowed daily at two mowing heights: 3 and 4 mm. In comparison with mowing at 4 mm, mowing at 3 mm reduced cumulative new root length (CNRL), total root length (TRL), and maximum rooting depth (RD), but increased dead root length (CDRL), root turnover rate in both length and number, and root mortality at 3- and 9-cm soil depths in both cultivars. The decline in new root production and increase in root mortality occurred earlier in the season and were more pronounced at the 3-cm soil depth than at the 9-cm depth for both cultivars. The effects of low mowing on root growth were more pronounced during summer months than in the spring. Lowering mowing height during summer would be more detrimental for root growth than maintaining a higher mowing height, which could lead to turf quality decline of creeping bentgrass.