Effect of Organic Soil Amendments on Establishment Vigor, Seedling Emergence, and Top Growth in Kentucky Bluegrass

Abstract

Due to limited supplies and expensive importing costs, it is a goal to replace overseas peat with local soil amendments in turf industry of Korea. The study was initiated to compare the performances of five domestic and imported organic soil amendments (OSAs) on establishment characteristics and to provide basic information for root zone composition on sports turf design and construction. The study was conducted in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KB) under greenhouse conditions from March to June in 2008. A total of 25 treatments of OSA + sand were prepared. These amendments were Berger Peat (OMA), Eco-Peat (OMB), G1-Soil (OMC), Premier Peat (OMD), and Supersoil I (OME). Significant differences were observed in establishment vigor, seedling emergence, and top growth. Results varied depending upon the type of OSAs and their rates in rootzone mixtures. OMA reached over 70% in establishment vigor in 5 WAS (weeks after seeding). OMC produced a maximum vigor of approximately 60% in 6 WAS. The OME amendment, however, showed poor performance lower than 30% in establishing KB turf until 8 WAS. There were considerable variations of top growth, being 3.8 to 14.5 cm. Greater differences in top growth resulted from OME mixtures. Shoot growth orientation in KB is also influenced by OSAs. In general, optimum mixing rate was considered as 10 to 20% for establishment vigor and 20 to 40% for top growth. Considering overall responses to establishment vigor, seedling emergence, and shoot growth, both local OMC and overseas OMD are considered as the useful soil amendments applicable for sports turfs. Domestic OME amendment would be applied for a low maintenance turfs such as rough and utility areas due to greater shoot growth. Information on these amendments would be of practical use for sports turf design and construction. Repeated experiments and field performance test are required to evaluate these OSA effect on other major turfgrass species and also to determine local OSA as imported peat substitute.

Functional Characteristics of a Grass Sward as per an Athletic Field at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

“…The organic matter content of soil should range from 1% to 3% to increase the soil's water-holding capacity. According to Kim [21], organic matter improves soil structure, aeration, moisture content, nutrient availability and ecosystem longevity. Adams and Saxon [22] observed that excessive organic matter content in the root zone leads to macropore blockage and deterioration in the physical properties of soil, including drainage, aeration and water retention, which can restrict root formation and increase susceptibility to disease.…”