Abstract
Little information is available regarding the effects of compost topdressings on the fertility of low‐cut fairway turfgrass. The objectives of this research were to assess: (i) the effects of compost and inorganic fertilizer applications on turfgrass color and growth, (ii) the duration and magnitude of compost topdressings on foliar N concentrations, and (iii) the interaction of compost and fertilizer applications on foliar N concentrations. Nitrogen was applied as inorganic fertilizer at rates of 96, 192, and 384 kg N ha−1 in 1997 and at 48, 96, and 192 kg N ha−1 in 1998 and 1999. Compost topdressings were applied every May and September from 1997 to 1999. Compost treatments consisted of: (i) 100% composted biosolids, (ii) a blend of composted biosolids and yard waste, and (iii) a nontopdressed control. Compost topdressings significantly increased turfgrass color, growth, and foliar N concentrations. Color enhancement lasted for up to 8 wk for plots receiving composted biosolids and for up to 5 wk for plots receiving the blend of composts. Composted biosolids increased foliar N concentrations for approximately 50 d following the May topdressings and for 26 d following the September topdressings. Foliar N concentrations following the May topdressings were increased by approximately 50% by the composted biosolids and by approximately 30% by the compost blend compared with the nontopdressed control. Differences in the duration of color enhancement brought about by the composts most likely can be explained by differences in N content of the composts used.
Published Version
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