Seeding ratios and Kentucky bluegrass effects on tall fescue sod strength

New regulations aimed at reducing soil erosion along with changing building and residential codes are increasing sod demand, especially low‐input species, which are currently in very short supply and require research.Replicated field experiments were established in Indiana and Minnesota to quantify the effect of turfgrass species (strong creeping red fescue [Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin], Chewings fescue [F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin], tall fescue [F. arundinacea Schreb.], and Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis L.]), seeding rate (1, 2, and 3 pure live seed cm−2), andN fertilization (98, 196, and 294 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on the production, quality, and harvest limitations of sod. Sod strength and handling were measured at sod harvests from 11 to 24 months after planting (MAP). Results indicate that strong creeping red fescue produces quality sod, likely because of the fast establishment and rhizomatous growth habit, and had higher or similar sod strength as Kentucky bluegrass at optimum N rates. Optimum N rates for strong creeping red fescue were two to three times lower than Kentucky bluegrass. Chewings fescue had less sod strength than strong creeping red fescue but more than tall fescue, and at times similar to Kentucky bluegrass. Overall, turfgrass species had the largest effect on sod strength and handling, while seeding or N rates had less impact on sod strength, especially with fine fescues. Sod growers may be able to produce fine fescue sod with good sod strength using lower seeding and N rates, and shorter production periods.

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and hybrid bluegrass (Poa pratensis L. × Poa arachnifera) can both be successfully grown in the transition zone of the United States. However, each grass has limitations. Tall fescue is susceptible to the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, whereas slow establishment and susceptibility to weed infestations limit hybrid bluegrass. Previous studies have shown the benefits of combining kentucky bluegrass with tall fescue in seeding mixtures. Research was conducted to evaluate the impact of two seeding combinations of hybrid bluegrass and tall fescue (one combination seeded at a 1.9:1 seed count ratio favoring tall fescue, the other combination seeded at a 1:1.8 seed count ratio favoring hybrid bluegrass) as well as monocultures of the species on turfgrass cover, weed species infestation, brown patch disease severity caused by R. solani, sod strength and species ecology. The seeding combinations had lower weed density during establishment and greater turf cover than the monoculture of hybrid bluegrass. The monoculture of tall fescue was subjected to more brown patch disease than the seeding combinations during and after the first year of establishment. Brown patch infestations likely reduced tall fescue cover and led to a species shift favoring hybrid bluegrass in the seeding combinations based on tiller count and weight data. Seeding combinations of tall fescue and hybrid bluegrass are beneficial from an epidemiological perspective because they reduce disease and weed infestations compared with monocultures of either species. From an agronomic perspective, the seeding combination favoring tall fescue provided the densest turf, whereas the seeding combination favoring hybrid had the greatest sod strength. Chemical name used: clopyralid (3,6 dichloropyridine-2 carboxylic acid)

The lack of turfgrass diversity in cool‐season sod production is related to information inefficiencies, such as the lack of agronomic information available on improved, low‐input species, such as fine fescues (Festuca spp.). Collaborative research between Purdue University and University of Minnesota investigated the influence of cool‐season turfgrass species mixtures on the harvest (production and strength) and storage limitations of sod. Field experiments were established in 2018 in West Lafayette, IN, and in 2019 in St. Paul, MN. Treatments included 12 turfgrass species mixtures that consisted of the following five species: strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin), Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin), hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey), tall fescue (F. arundinacea Schreb.), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Data on turf cover, vertical growth rate, sod tensile strength, sod handling, and shelf‐life storage and transplant success were collected at multiple harvest timings from 10 to 24 mo after planting. The majority of the sod mixtures, especially those containing ≥33% strong creeping red fescue, produced high quality sod similar to the standard comparison of 100% Kentucky bluegrass sod and transplant success was not severely affected when stored for 24–72 h immediately following a spring or autumn harvest. Sod mixtures containing tall fescue, including “rhizomatous tall fescue,” consistently resulted in the lowest sod strength and handling. Overall, sod producers growing fine fescue sod may be able to not only reduce management inputs, but also yield good sod strength with low‐input sod mixtures.

Adequate turfgrass sod strength for harvesting and handling is typically determined by the producer’s past experience and subjective appraisal. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between producer subjective sod-strength assessments and quantitative shear-strength measurements with predominantly kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf. Across three consecutive growing seasons, 93 samples were collected from sod fields in Rhode Island and assessed for sod strength by subjective and quantitative methods. Producer subjective ratings of sod strength were significantly (P < 0.0001) associated with quantitative measurements of peak force required to shear a sod strip. Minimally acceptable strength occurred most frequently when peak shear force was between 55 and 85 kg·m−1 width of sod; whereas preferred sod strength occurred most frequently when peak shear force was between 70 and 140 kg·m−1 width of sod. Once peak force exceeded 58 and 86 kg·m−1, there was a > 50% probability that sod strength would be judged at least adequate and at preferred strength, respectively, up to a peak force of 140 kg·m−1. The results suggest that quantitative measurements of shear strength can be related to producer subjective assessments, and provide unbiased benchmark values to guide management decisions for kentucky bluegrass sod production.

본 연구는 초종과 파종비율을 달리한 혼파초지를 비교 검토하여 건물수량과 품질을 높일 수 있는 혼파방법을 찾고자 관행 혼파초지{conventional mixtures(CM), orchardgrass (Potomad) 50% + tall fescue (Fawn)20% + Kentucky bluegrass(Kenblue) 20% + white clover(Regal) 10%}, 레드 클로버 + 혼파초지{Red clover mixtures(RM), orchardgrass (Potomac) 40 + tall fescue 20%(Fawn) + Kentucky bluegrass (Kenblue) 10% + red clover(Kenland) 30%} 및 잔디형 초종 + 혼파초지{Turf type grass mixtures(TM), orchardgrass Potomac) 50% + turf type grass(tall fescue, Millenium 20% + Kentucky bluegrass, Midnight 10% + perennial ryegrass, Palmer III 10%) + white clover, Regal 10%)의 3처리를 두어 시험하였다. 시험은 난괴법 4반복으로 충남대학교 농과대학 초지시험포장에서 2003년 9월부터 2005년 12월까지 수행하였으며, 시험결과는 다음과 같다. 2년 평균 건물수량은 레드 클로버 + 혼파초지가 11,656kg/ha으로 관행 혼파초지(11,245kg/ha)나 잔디형 초종 + 혼파초지(9,897kg/ha)에 비하여 높은 결과를 가져왔다(p<0.05). CP 함량은 연도와 혼파초지의 유형에 관계없이 레드 클로버 + 혼파 초지가 관행 혼파초지나 잔디형 초종 + 혼파초지에 비하여 높은 결과를 보였다(p<0.05). NDF, ADF, cellulose 및 lignin과 같은 섬유소물질의 함량은 조사연도와 혼파초지의 유형에 따라 대체적으로 레드 클로버 + 혼파초지에 비하여 낮은 결과를 보였다(p<0.05). 2년 평균 CPDM 수량은 레드 클로버 + 혼파초지가 2,832kg으로 관행 혼파초지(2,372kg)나 잔디형 초종 + 혼파초지(2,266kg)에 비하여 높은 결과를 나타내었다(p<0.05). 2년 평균 DDM 수량은 레드 클로버 + 혼파초지가 8,881kg으로 관행 혼파초지(8,255kg)나 잔디형 초종 + 혼파초지(7,314kg)에 비하여 높은 결과를 얻었다(p<0.05). 2005년 5회 예취시의 식생비율은 관행 혼파초지는 orchardgrass는 45%, tall fescue 22%, Kentucky bluegrass 5% 및 white clover 24%이었으며, 레드 클로버 + 혼파초지는 orchardgrass 40%, tall fescue 22%, Kentucky bluegrass 4% 및 red clover 31%이었고, 잔디형 초종 + 혼파 초지는 orchardgrass 37%, 잔디형 초종 37%(tall fescue 23%, Kentucky bluegrass 6%, perennial ryegrass 8%) 및 white clover 23%를 유지하였다. 이상의 결과를 종합할 때, 초종과 파종비율에 따른 혼파초지의 건물수량과 사료가치의 차이를 확인할 수 있었으며, 레드 클로버 + 혼파 초지가 건물수량과 사료가치를 높이는데 효과적이었다. The object of this experiment was to investigate the effect of mixture which consist of different seeding rates and species on dry matter yield and quality in Daejon area. The field trials were conducted from 2003 to 2005 at Chungnam National University in order to evaluate the dry matter yield and quality of different mixture. The experimental design includes three mixture types: Conventional mixtures, CM{orchardgrass(Potomac) 50% + tall fescue (Fawn)20% + Kentucky bluegrass(Kenblue) 20% + white clover(Regal) 10%}, red clover + mixtures, RM{orchardgrass(Potomac) 40% + tall fescue(Fawn) 20% + Kentucky bluegrass(Kenblue) 10% + red clover(Kenland) 30%) and Turf type grass + mixtures, TM {orchardgrass (Potomac) 50% + turf type grass (tall fescue, Millennium 20% + Kentucky bluegrass, Midnight 10% + perennial ryegrass, Palmer III 10%) + white clover(Regal) 10%}. The average DM yield for 2 years of red clover+mixture(11,656kg/ha) was higher than those of the other mixtures(p<0.05). The content of crude protein and dry manu digestibility were higher in red clover+mixture than in other mixtures(p<0.05). but, the content of fibrous compounds like as NDF, ADF, cellulose and lignin were lower in red clover+mixture than in other mixtures(p<0.05). The crude protein dry matter(CPDM) yield was higher in red clover + mixture(2,832kg/ha) than in conventional mixture(2,372kg/ha) and turf type + mixture(2,266kg/ha)(p<0.05). The digestible dry matter (DDM) yield was higher in red clover + mixture(8,881 kg/ha) than in conventional mixture(8,255kg/ha) and turf type + mixture(7,314kg/ha)(p<0.05). In botanical composition at last cutting time in 2005, conventional mixture were maintained orchardgrass 45%, tall fescue 22%, Kentucky bluegrass 5% and white clover 24%. Red clover + mixture were maintained orchardgrass 40%, tall fescue 22%, Kentucky bluegrass 4% and red clover 31%. turf type + mixture were orchardgrass 37%, tall fescue 23%, Kentucky bluegrass 6%, perennial ryegrass 8% and white clover 24%, respectively. As summary, DM yields and quality of mixture species and seeding rates were observed significant difference. The results of this experiment indicated that red clover + mixture was more effective in enhancing the DM yield and forage quality in Daejon area.

The need for salt-tolerant turfgrasses in arid and semi-arid regions has increased substantially owing to shortages of fresh water and to soil salinization. We hypothesized that salt tolerance in turfgrasses is achieved by ion regulation and the accumulation of compatible solutes. We investigated changes in ionic concentrations and compatible solutes in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.; a salt-sensitive species) and Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; a moderately salt-tolerant species) in response to elevated sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration. Sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl–) concentrations in shoots and roots increased with increasing salinity in both turfgrasses. Kentucky bluegrass accumulated more Na+ and Cl− under NaCl stress than did Tall fescue. NaCl stress induced more significantly mineral nutrient imbalances in Kentucky bluegrass than in Tall fescue. The concentrations of potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and nitrate in Tall fescue were much less affected than those in Kentucky bluegrass. The proline concentration increased significantly in both grasses with increasing salinity. The total soluble sugar (TSS) concentration of Tall fescue was significantly higher than that of Kentucky bluegrass under elevated NaCl concentration. Inorganic ions, especially Na+, were more important in osmoregulation for Kentucky bluegrass and Tall fescue to adapt to NaCl stress. The estimated contribution of K+ to osmotic potential (Ψs) decreased with increasing salinity, and it was higher in Tall fescue than in Kentucky bluegrass. The estimated contribution of TSS to Ψs was higher in Tall fescue than in Kentucky bluegrass under NaCl stress. These results indicate that Tall fescue tolerates salt better by inhibiting the accumulation of Na+ and Cl−, which helps to maintain ion balance, and by accumulating sugars, which decrease the osmotic potential of the cytoplasm.

본 시험은 국내에 도입된 잔디형(turf type) 초종을 공시하여 이들 초종의 수량과 사료가치 등을 상호 비교하여 혼파초지를 조성하는데 활용 가능성을 검토하고자 시험을 수행하였다. 시험은 1999년 9월부터 2002년 12월까지 충남대학교 생명과학대학내 부속 초지시험포장에서 수행하였다. 공시된 잔디형 초종은 Kentucky bluegrass(Newport), red fescue(Salem), creeping bentgrass(Crenshaw), perennial ryegrass(Palmer II), tall fescue(Rebell Jr.) 및 redtop(Barricuda) 등 6초종 이었으며, 얻어진 시험결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 3년 평균 ha당 건물수량은 tall fescue (11,439kg)와 red top(11,312kg)이 다른 초종에 비하여 높았다(P ＜0.05). 2. 조단백질 함량과 건물소화율이 높은 초종은 creeping bentgrass, perennial ryegrass 및 Kentucky blueuass 등이었으며, 상대적으로 낮은 초종은 redtop, red fescue 및 tall fescue 이었다. 3. 3년 평균 ha당 조단백질 수량(CPDM)은 Kentucky bluegrass(2,329kg)와 redtop(2,300kg)이 높았던 반면에, red fescue(1,646kg)가 가장 낮은 결과를 나타내었다(p＜0.05). 가소화건물수량(DDM)은 tall fescue(8,995kg)와 redtop(8,896kg)이 높았던 반면에, creeping bentgrass(7,152kg)와 red fascue(6,966kg)는 낮은 편이었다(p＜0.05). 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 혼파초지에 보조초종으로 기대되는 잔디형 초종은 tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass 및 redtop 이라 하겠다. This study was conducted to investigate dry matter yield and quality of six turf grasses, and thus to apply its result into making mixed species in the mixtures. The six turf grasses were Kentucky bluegrass(Newport), red fescue(Salem), creeping bentgrass(Crenshaw), perennial ryegrass(Palmer Ⅱ), tall fescue(Rebell Jr.) and redtop(Barricuda). This experiment was carried out for 3-years at grassland experimental field of Chungnam National University. The dry matter(DM) yield obtained in tall fescue and redtop was higher than those of the other species(p<0.05). Consideration of crude protein content and dry matter digestibility(DMD), the species of high quality compared to the other species were creeping bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. The crude protein dry matter yield was higher in Kentucky bluegrass and redtop, it was lower in red fescue(p<0.05). On the other hand, digestible dry matter(DDM) yield was higher in tall fescue and redtop, but lower in creeping bentgrass and red fescue(p<0.05). Based on the result mentioned above, therefore, it is suggested that turf grasses such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and redtop are recommended as species of turf grass which could be used as bottom grasses in mixtures.

Various mixtures of tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L., and perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L., may be beneficial for turf culture because of genetic diversity and improved tolerance to environmental stresses compared with a single species. Turf-type tall fescue, dwarf tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass were seeded as cultivar blends and in all possible combinations as species mixtures in two locations, irrigated and nonirrigated. Turf was mowed at 19 and 51 mm and subjected to an interval of brief, but intensive, simulated traffic. Perennial ryegrass was the dominant species in all mixtures with tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, or both. After 5 years, turf-type tall fescue comprised 62% of mixtures with Kentucky bluegrass when averaged over locations. Dwarf tall fescue comprised 48% of mixtures compared with Kentucky bluegrass at 44%. Kentucky bluegrass was more competitive with tall fescue in the irrigated vs. nonirrigated location. Mowing height effected small changes in populations year to year while simulated traffic had little effect on populations at 1 year following treatment. The advantage of mixing species compared with individual species to reduce disease occurrence was evident on several occasions. Our study supports earlier research reports that tall fescue will remain competitive in mixture with Kentucky bluegrass several years after seeding.

Tall fescue (TF) [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] and Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) Poa pratensis L.) are often seeded as mixtures in temperate and transition climates. This study assessed the performance and species composition of TF and KBG mixtures containing newer cultivars that were subjected to wear. Individual plots of TF cultivars were established in 2010 on a loam along with 16 mixtures of TF and KBG (TF 90/KBG 10; w/w). Wear was applied during autumn 2011, 2012, and 2013. Plots were evaluated for turfgrass quality, brown patch disease (caused by Rhizoctonia solani), and species composition. Data were analyzed using a 5 × 4 × 2 factorial of KBG (none, ‘Midnight II’, ‘Blue Note’, A05–361, A05–361), TF (‘Falcon V’, ‘Mustang 4’, ‘Justice’, ‘Greenkeeper’), and wear (no wear and wear) arranged in a strip plot design with three replications. Wear reduced quality but had no effect on species composition. Mixing KBG with Falcon V or Mustang 4 TF had no effect on quality after wear compared with either TF alone; however, the quality of Greenkeeper TF was better when mixed with Midnight II or Blue Note KBG, whereas mixing with A05–361 and A05–344 KBG had no effect on quality. Kentucky bluegrass selection had a much greater influence on species composition compared with TF selection. Tall fescue composition was influenced by KBG cultivar and ranged from 37 to 79%. Brown patch severity was decreased in TF mixtures with KBG and was more strongly influenced by KBG cultivar than TF cultivar. Our data indicate that KBG cultivars can dramatically affect TF composition of mixes and brown patch severity, whereas autumn wear does not.

Broad concerns over water shortages and drought where irrigated urban landscapes are common in high desert regions have focused attention on drought tolerance of turfgrass species. We investigated the physiological responses of kentucky bluegrass (KBG) and tall fescue (TF) under a prolonged drought under high desert conditions. The experimental design was a split plot with three replicates. Two irrigation treatments as a whole plot—well-watered and no water—were applied to subplots of ‘Midnight’ KBG and ‘Gazelle’ TF. Stomatal conductance (gS), canopy temperature, and predawn leaf water potential were measured over two seasons. KBG gS and leaf water potential decreased faster and to a greater extent than TF in response to soil drying, and KBG was in complete dormancy and brown within 5 weeks after cessation of irrigation. By contrast, TF maintained a green canopy throughout the drought periods. In the no-water plots, TF appeared to consume water from the deepest measured soil profiles (80- to 100-cm depth), whereas KBG used most of the water in the 50- to 60-cm depths. When watered for recovery in late summer, KBG plots were mostly green within 3 weeks after rewatering. The surface temperature of the well-watered plots was 6–13 °C cooler than the no-water plots and TF showed 5–7 °C lower temperature than KBG in no-water plots. TF is suitable for deep soil, exploiting a larger volume of water to avoid drought, whereas KBG's rapid drought avoidance would likely perform better in shallow landscape soils under drought.

The establishment of a quality Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sod can be accomplished by seeding with a predetermined blend of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars or by vegetative reestablishment from rhizomes after harvest. This study was initiated to compare the regrowth capability of ‘Glade’, ‘Ram I’. ‘Parade’, ‘Rugby’, and ‘Touchdown’ Kentucky bluegrass after sod harvest. Sod was uniformly removed on 19 May 1984, and the area was reestablished to 100% coverage. Sod was harvested again on 16 Sept. 1986, and the reestablishment study was repeated. Percentage coverage after regrowth was determined monthly. Vegetative data on rhizomes, roots, sod strength, and tiller numbers were collected following the first harvest. Glade and Touchdown Kentucky bluegrass recovered most quickly, and Parade and Ram I were slow to recover. Rhizome weights were greatest for Glade and Touchdown, and tiller numbers per plant were highest for Parade and Ram I. The data indicate that cultivars that put much of their energy into aboveground growth (tillers) recover more slowly than cultivars that channel their energy into belowground (rhizome) development.

본 연구는 산지 고랭지에서 방목용 초지생산성을 향상시키기 위하여 이 지역에 맞는 방목용 혼파조합을 선발하는데 목적이 있다. 따라서 본 실험은 대관령의 산지 고랭지에서 방목용 혼파조합이 목초의 식생비율 및 건물수량에 미치는 영향을 검토하여 방목에 적합한 혼파조합을 선발하고자 실시하였다. 실험은 1990년 8월부터 1993년까지 3년간 강원도 평창군 도암면 해발 840m에 위치한 실험포에서 수행하였다. 목초의 혼파조합 및 파종량(kg/ha)은 관행혼파조합으로 대조구인 C구 : OG+TF+TI+KBG+LC (18:9:8:3:2), T1구 : OG+TF+KBG+LC (24:8:2:2), T2구: OG+TF+KBG+RC(24:8:2:2), T3구: OG+TI+KBG+LC (26:8:2:2), T4구 : OG +TF+KBG+LC (8:28:2:2), T5구: OG+TI+KBG+LC (8:24:2:2) 및 T6구: OG+RCG+KBG+LC (8:26:2:2)의 7개 처리로 하였다. 목초 파종 후 초종별로 정착개체수가 증가함에 따라 피복율이 점차 높아져 목초비율은 증가하고 잡초 및 나지비율은 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 식생구성은 TI, OG, KBG 및 LC가 균형적인 비율을 보이고 있었으며, 잡초와 나지율이 낮은 T5구가 대관령지역에 적합한 혼파조합으로 나타났다. 방목이 경과됨에 따라 목초수량은 증가하는 경향을 보였으며 연차별로는 1993년의 T5구에서 건물수량이 가장 많았으며, 처리간에 건물수량도 유의차는 없었지만 T5구에서 9,344kg/ha로 가장 많았다. 이상에서 산지고랭지에서 방목용 혼파조합으로 적합한 것은 식생구성비율 및 건물수량 면에서 티머시 위주의 T5 (OG:TI:KBG:LC=8:24:2:2kg/ha)인 것으로 사료된다. The objective of this study was to determine which mixture types are suitable for maintaining grazing pasture at alpine area. The mixtures types were evaluated by the botanical composition and dry matter (DM) of forage. The experiment was carried out on the grazing pasture at Daekwanryeong area (altitude ; 840m) from 1991 to 1993. Treatments were composed of seven mixture types made of both different components and amounts of sowing. The components of each mixture were Orchardgrass (OG), Tall fescue (TF), Timothy (TI). Kentucky bluegrass (KBG), Reed cannarygrass (RCG), Red clover (RC) and Ladino clove. (LC). The seeding .ate of OG, TF, TI, KBG and LC in control(C) was 18:9:8:3:2 kg/ha, respectively and those of treatments of T1 (OG:TF:KBG:LC), T2 (OG:TF:KBG:RC), T3 (OG:TI:KBG:LC), T4 (OG:TF:KBG:LC), T5 (OG:TI:KBG:LC) and T6 (OG:RCG:KBG:LC) were 24:8:2:2, 24:8:2:2, 26:8:2:2, 8:28:2:2, 5:24:2:2 and 8:26:2:2 kg/ha, in seeding rate. respectively. The plant heights of mixtures in 1991, 1992 and 1993 were 33, 37, and 33 cm on average of before and after grazing, respectively. The 12cm of stubble height was left after grazing during 3 years which can result in the reduction of forage intake and utilization. This result indicates the grazing period will be needed to adjust. The proportions of TI, OG, KBG and LC in mixtures were increased constantly, and the proportions of weeds and bare lands were little. The T5, in which the smaller amounts of seeds were sown, is considered as proper mixture type for Alpine pasture. The DM yield tended to increase with the increased grazing period, and the highest DM yield was occurred in 1993. No significant difference among treatments was observed for the DM yield, however the 75 was highest (9,344 kg/ha) in the DM yields which is <TEX>$5.7\%$</TEX> greater than the C (8,840 kg/ha). This result indicates that T5 (OG:TI:KBG:LC : 8:24:2:2 kg/ha) is considered to be proper mixture type at alpine pasture considering the botanical composition and forage yield.

Evaluation of turfgrass performance at low nitrogen fertility levels is important because many home lawns are fertilized below common recommendations. The objective of this study was to evaluate visible quality and weed susceptibility of common and alternative cool season grasses under multiple management regimes in Wisconsin. A split-split plot completely randomized block design was used to evaluate ‘Kingfisher' Kentucky bluegrass (Kentucky bluegrass), ‘Kenblue' Kentucky bluegrass, ‘Victory II' chewings fescue, ‘Grande II' tall fescue, and ‘Jiffe II' perennial ryegrass. Each species was mowed at 3.5, 6.0, or 8.5 cm, and fertilized with 0, 98, or 196 kg ha−1yr−1of nitrogen. Visible quality and weed cover were evaluated four times annually for 3 yr. Tall fescue had the greatest turf quality across all treatments. Kingfisher Kentucky bluegrass, an improved variety, responded most dramatically to nitrogen fertilization, with quality rating improved from 5.1 to 7.1 when annual nitrogen applications totaled 196 kg ha−1compared to the nonfertilized control. Kenblue Kentucky bluegrass, a common variety, had the greatest weed cover at all mowing heights and fertilizer rates. Assessment of common dandelion flowers by digital image analysis revealed that improved and common Kentucky bluegrass had greater common dandelion cover than fine or tall fescue when herbicides were withheld for 2.5 yr. Background soil fertility was found to have a significant impact on visible quality and weed cover. In an area with eroded, low-fertility soil, improved Kentucky bluegrass required 196 kg N ha−1yr−1to maintain high quality and limit weed invasion. These results suggest that tall fescue is best suited to low and high input conditions, while improved varieties of Kentucky bluegrass performed acceptably only under high inputs.

A primary economic concern of sod producers is loss of sod quality during the transportation and storage phases of a sale. Previous research and field experience indicate that soil and plant respiration rates, and thus the rate of pallet heating, may be reduced by harvesting in the morning, lowering mowing heights and removing clippings, and minimizing tissue nitrogen and soil moisture before harvest. However, even when proper cultural guidelines are followed, excessive sod heating and tissue damage often occurs. Various pre‐ and post‐harvest chemical treatments aimed at protecting leaf tissue integrity during and after supraoptimal heating have shown promise for increasing transplant success. One of these compounds is the natural plant growth regulator salicylic acid (SA). This study was conducted to investigate the influence of pre‐harvest foliar application of SA on transplant injury and root strength of tall fescue (TF; Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) sod following supraoptimal heating. Salicylic acid was applied at 0.5 kg ha−1 to the turfgrass 10 d before harvest and canopy photochemical efficiency was measured 1 d before harvest. Harvested and rolled sod was subjected to high temperature stress (38–40°C for 72 or 96 h), transplanted into the field, and injury and root strength were determined. Application of SA enhanced the pre‐harvest canopy photochemical efficiency of KBG and TF sod in both years. Averaged over years and heat duration, SA increased canopy photochemical efficiency by 12% for KBG and 14% for TF. Salicylic acid reduced visual injury and enhanced post‐harvest root strength in both years. Averaged over years and heat duration, SA increased transplant root strength by 26% for KBG and 9% for TF. These data suggest that pre‐harvest foliar SA application may improve shelf life and transplant success of supraoptimally heated cool‐season sod.

본 시험은 혼파조합이 하번초형 혼파초지의 건물수량과 사료가치에 미치는 영향을 구명하여 하번초형 혼파초지를 조성하는데 적합한 혼파조합을 찾고자 1998년 9월부터 2001년 12월까지 충남대학교 생명과학대학내 부속 초지시험포장에서 수행하였다. 공시 혼파조합은 tall fescue, kentucky bluegrass 및 perennial ryegrass 중심의 3가지 혼파조합을 공시하였으며 얻어진 시험결과는 다음과 같다 1) 3년 평균 ha당 건물수량, 일반화학적 성분, 건물소화율과 조단백질수량(CPDM) 및 가소화건물수량(DDM)은 혼파조합간에차이가 없었다. 2) 2001년도 6회 마지막 예취시 tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass 및 perennial ryegrass 중심의 혼파조합에서 tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass 및 perennial ryegrass의 식생 비율은 각각 42, 35 및 28%이었고, 전체 초종에서 이들 3초종이 차지하는 식생 비율은 모든 혼파조합에서 84%로 나타나 혼파조합이 식생비율에 미치는 영향은 크지 않았다. 기타 초종 중에서는 redtop(8%)과 creeping bentgrass(6<TEX>${\sim}$</TEX>7%)의 식생비율이 낮았으며, 특히 red fescue(1<TEX>${\sim}$</TEX>2%)는 매우 낮은 식생비율이 보였다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 혼파조합간에 건물수량과 사료가치 및 식생비율에 뚜렷한 차이가 없었던 것으로 보아, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass 및 perennial ryegrass 중심의 어느 혼파조합으로 하번초형 혼파초지를 조성하여도 공익목적과 부수적으로 생산되는 목초를 조사료원으로 활용가능성은 크다고 하겠다. To examine the potentiality of grassland dominated with turf-type grasses, which are mainly used for the establishment of green spaces, forage production and its utilization as forage resources, dry matter yield and forage quality of three different turf-type mixtures were estimated throughout three consecutive experimental years. According to the experiment, the mean of dry matter(DM) yield, chemical composition, DM digestibility, crude protein dry matter(CPDM) and digestible dry matter(DDM) yield was not significantly different among species(p > 0.05) over three experimental years. Botanical composition of three dominant species(tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass) was 42, 35 and 28%, respectively, in three mixtures at the last cutting(6th) in 2001. The botanical composition of three dominated species such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass was maintained 84% of the total plants in all types of mixtures. Therefore, It is observed that the mixture types did not closely affect the botanical composition. But botanical composition of the other species such as redtop(8%) and creeping bentgrass(6<TEX>${\sim}$</TEX>7%) was low. Especially, that of red fescue was the least(1<TEX>${\sim}$</TEX>2%) of all mixed species. As mentioned above, any difference was not observed in DM yields, forage quality and botanical composition among mixture types. Therefore, any types of mixtures can be used as public green spaces like school ground areas or river-sides, and as forage resources additionally.