Nitrogen Rate and Mowing Height Effects on TifEagle Bermudagrass Establishment

Abstract

In the southeastern United States, ‘TifEagle’ hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L). Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] has become a selected cultivar for renovated or new bermudagrass putting greens, and its use has increased in popularity. However, there is limited research which examines TifEagle establishment, especially when cultural practices such as mowing height are included in the experimental design. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of N rate and mowing height on the percentage ground cover, shoot density, color, total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) content, and soil nitrate (NO3–N) and ammonium (NH4–N) content of TifEagle hybrid bermudagrass putting greens throughout three establishment years (2002, 2003, and 2004). Weekly applications of N were applied at 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g N m−2 wk−1, and mowing height applied at 3.2, 3.9, and 4.8 mm. Almost every agronomic measure (percentage ground cover, shoot density, root or rhizome and stolon mass, color) responded to increased applications of N, with maximum ground cover and shoot density reached at N rates from 3.4 to 4.3 g N m−2 wk−1 Turf mowed under the lowest mowing height often had reduced turfgrass color and rhizome and stolon mass, compared with that mowed at 3.9 or 4.8 mm. Soil pH and residual NO3−N and NH4–N were almost always affected by N rate, but not by mowing height. For rapid establishment without significant reductions in shoot density, rhizome and stolon mass, and TNC, the highest N rate of 4.8 g N m−2 wk−1, as used in this study, was not needed.

Sod production and the effects of liquid organo-mineral fertilizers and thickness of sod

“…At other times, the PGC of the Zoysiagrass cv. Esmeralda was influenced by N-OMF doses (p ≤ 0.05) (Figure 2), similar to results reported by Lima et al (2010) and Guertal and Evans (2006) for Ber- mudagrass cv. Celebration and the hybrid Bermudagrass cv.…”

Interaction Effects of Salinity and Mowing on Performance and Physiology of Bermudagrass Cultivars

“…The interaction eff ects of salinity and mowing on bermudagrass are not well understood. Guertal and Evans (2006) tested the eff ect of diff erent mowing heights (3.2, 3.9, and 4.8 mm) on Tifeagle bermudagrass and concluded that mowing height had less impact on Tifeagle bermudagrass establishment but there was a reduction in turf color and rhizome and stolon weight at the lowest mowing height. Mitchell and Dickens (1979) indicated that mowing height variation from 1.25 to 2.5 cm did not aff ect sod strength of Tifway and Tifgreen bermudagrasses.…”

“…Mitchell and Dickens (1979) indicated that mowing height variation from 1.25 to 2.5 cm did not aff ect sod strength of Tifway and Tifgreen bermudagrasses. Guertal and Evans (2006) tested the eff ect of diff erent mowing heights (3.2, 3.9, and 4.8 mm) on Tifeagle bermudagrass and concluded that mowing height had less impact on Tifeagle bermudagrass establishment but there was a reduction in turf color and rhizome and stolon weight at the lowest mowing height. No published information is available that addresses the infl uence of mowing height and frequency on bermudagrass salinity tolerance.…”

Seasonal Cultural Management Practices for Aging Subtropic Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Greens: II. Mechanical Practices of Topdressing and Verticut Frequency

“…Establishment and maintaining aesthetics and functional values of bermudagrass greens and tees includes identifying ideal application rates and seasonal applications of fertilizers, topdressing, and frequency of horizontal and vertical mowing and aerification (Bunnell et. al., 2005; Hollingsworth et al, 2005; Guertal and Evans, 2006; Rodriguez et al, 2001; White et al, 2004). After evaluation of vertical mowing and topdressing, management strategies for establishing and established ‘Tifdwarf’, Champion, FloraDwarf, ‘Miniverde’, and TifEagle ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars in temperate Texas (White et al, 2004) suggested that cultural management will need to change as the cultivars mature.…”

“…Hollingsworth et al (2005) reported that a high-maintenance schedule that included intensive vertical mowing, topdressing, and aerification during summer months resulted in unacceptable quality for four ultradwarf varieties grown in Auburn, AL. Guertal and Evans (2006) documented that color was reduced when Tif Eagle was mowed at 3.2 mm vs. 3.9 and 4.8 mm. Unruh and Davis (2001) scouted putting greens from 70 golf courses located in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.…”