Nitrogen fertilizer and clover inclusion effects on the establishment of fine fescue taxa

Abstract

Little information exists on establishment vigor differences among fine fescue taxa (Festuca L. spp.) and on the effects N fertilizer levels or clover (Trifolium L. spp.)‐inclusion during establishment. Five replicated field experiments in Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon were conducted from 2019 to 2021. Data collection continued for 9 mo after planting to investigate differences among four fine fescue taxa and determine optimal N fertility or clover‐inclusion programs for the establishment of fine fescue taxa. Six N fertilizer levels ranged from 0 to 122.5 kg N ha−1 during the 8 wk after planting, and two treatments included clover‐inclusion + 0 kg N ha−1 at seeding. The three taxa of the Festuca rubra complex—strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin), slender creeping red fescue [F. rubra ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier], and Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin)—were similar to one another and required the shortest amount of time until 90% establishment (i.e., faster establishment) compared with hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey). Providing 24.5 kg N ha−1 at seeding hastened establishment of all fine fescues compared with no N fertilizer (0 kg N ha−1). Applying 49 kg N ha−1 at establishment provided faster establishment than the 24.5 kg N ha−1 treatment; however, treatments receiving 73.5–122.5 kg N ha−1 during the first 8 wk after planting provided a similar rate of establishment as 49 kg N ha−1. Inclusion of clover with fine fescue resulted in slower establishment than fertilizer levels of ≥24.5 kg N ha−1.

Species, clover‐inclusion, and nitrogen fertilizer effects on sod tensile strength of fine fescue taxa

“…rubra ssp. included in this experiment and reported in the companion study (Braun, Braithwaite, et al., 2022).…”

“…A companion experiment to research the effect of the same treatments on the rate of establishment was conducted in Indiana, Oregon, and Minnesota (Braun, Braithwaite, et al., 2022). Braun, Braithwaite, et al.…”

“…At an autumn seeding with fine fescue taxa, increasing levels of N fertility during the first 8 wk of the establishment or clover‐inclusion will insignificantly influence on sod strength and handling when harvesting at 9–12 MAP. A faster grow‐in of fine fescue taxa will be observed when 24.5–49 kg N ha −1 is applied during the first 8 wk of establishment in the autumn (Braun, Braithwaite, et al., 2022); however, these benefits will be brief and have a minimal‐to‐no effect on sod strength. If faster establishment and improved weed invasion resistance is a goal and strategy for the sod producer, then 24.5–49 kg N ha −1 should be applied during the first 8 wk of establishment; however, >49 kg N ha −1 will have negligible benefits to establishment rate (Braun, Braithwaite, et al., 2022).…”

“…(2022) reported fertility >49 kg N ha −1 during the first 8 weeks after planting (WAP) will have a minor effect on fine fescue establishment rate during an autumn seeding, which is the optimum seeding timing for fine fescues for the northern United States (Braun, Patton, et al., 2021). While N fertilization rates up to 49 kg N ha −1 during fine fescue establishment can promote faster grow‐in (Braun, Braithwaite, et al., 2022), the influence on sod production (tensile strength and handling) is unknown. Can an increase in N fertilization rate during establishment hasten the production or increase the strength of fine fescue sod?…”

“…Recent low‐input turf research on the establishment, management, and sod production potential of fine fescues (Braun et al., 2021a, 2021b; Braun, Braithwaite, et al., 2022; Braun, Patton, et al., 2021; Braun, Watkins, et al., 2022) and breeding advancements (Bonos & Huff, 2013) currently offer sod producers more information when selecting what to plant. However, research is still needed to give recommendations on fine fescue sod production to increase their success.…”