Response of turfgrass to urea-based fertilizers formulated to reduce ammonia volatilization and nitrate conversion

Abstract

Stabilized urea fertilizers are currently being marketed for use in turfgrass, as a more efficient alternative to standard urea that minimizes adverse impacts on the environment. These fertilizers have been evaluated for reducing N losses and increasing grain yield in crop plants, but their effects in turf are not well characterized. The efficacy of two stabilized urea fertilizers containing urease and nitrification inhibitors, N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide and dicyandiamide or butenedioc-methylenesuccinic acid copolymer, in reducing N losses was studied for a 56-day period in a mixed stand of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) using 15 N-enriched fertilizers. Turf responded to a 49-kg ha−1 N input with increased color, quality, and biomass production. No benefit of nitrification and urease inhibitors compared to urea was observed for clipping production, N use efficiency, or turfgrass color and quality. Though the efficacy of urease and nitrification inhibitors has been demonstrated both in the laboratory and for row crops, inhibitors appear to be of limited value for enhancing N use efficiency in turf.