Zoysia Grass Growth Affected by Physical Attributes of Substrates Formulation / Crescimento De Grama Esmeralda Afetado Pelos Atributos Físicos De Formulações De Substratos

Abstract

Soil compaction causes several damages to turfgrass root system such as less water penetration, nutrient uptake and even photosynthesis processes. These processes leads unappropriated formation of tillers, rhizomes, stolon, reduced shoot growth as well as the chlorosis caused by nitrogen deficiency. This work aimed to evaluate physical characteristics in different formulations and substrate components in relation to Zoysia grass development. The experimental design used was completely randomized, composed by eight treatments and three replicates: T1 -soil; T2 -soil + sand (2:1); T3 -soil + sand (1:1); T4 -soil + organic compound (1:1); T5 -soil + organic compound (2:1); T6 -soil + organic compound + sand (2:1:1); T7 -soil + organic compound + sand (1:1:1); T8organic compound + sand (2:1). It was evaluated substrates physical characteristics as total porosity and density and for grass development the dipping fresh mass. There was influence of total porosity and density on different substrates composition in the development of Zoysia grass, and the treatments that have organic matter in their composition obtained the best results for the evaluated traits. T4 and T8 showed the highest values of density, total porosity and values of fresh mass, however, increase the need for cuts to maintain the turfgrass aesthetics.

Fertilization of Imperial® Zoysia grass in different substrates compositions

“…Furthermore, the compaction of substrate may influence the reduction of fresh and dry mass. According to Barceloset al 4 substrate density influenced the accumulation of Zoysia grass mass, verifying that the most compacted substrate decreased values for both fresh and dry mas, corroborating to data presented in this research. At Table 2 it is possible to note that S1 presented the lowest values for substrate density and, in this case, also presented the highest means of fresh and dry mass.…”

“…The lawn implantation will depend on soil/ substrate composition and analysis whose preparation is extremely important, observing all physical and chemical attributes. 4 When lawn is established on substrate, it is important to notice that a single component may not achieve all requirements, in relation to plant nutrition or physical conditions, therefore, it is necessary to mix two or more materials. 5 Furthermore, the substrate considered ideal for seedlings production, whether forest species as well as ornamental species, needs to be uniform in its composition, being free from pests, pathogenic organisms and weeds.…”