TPT TO FUND FERTILITY RESEARCH

            With fertilizer prices on the rise, knowing how much and how to apply can make a difference to turfgrass producers.  For this reason, the Turfgrass Producers of Texas has decided to fund a research project to be conducted by two members of the Soil and Crop Sciences Department at Texas A&M University.

            Dr. Kurt Steinke and Dr. David Chalmers will compare industry standard practices with the use of banded foliar and granular nitrogen applications to sod ribbons.  The study will determine what effects this practice has on regenerative growth, turf lateral growth and growth after harvest.

            The objectives of the study are:

·        Determine the effect of fertilizer placement (broadcast vs. banded) on the rate of turf re-establishment following sod harvest

·        Evaluate the effects of foliar and granular nitrogen applications for potential differences in broadcast and banded applications

·        Determine how initial nitrogen rates affect turf re-growth and density.

In addition to comparing foliar vs. granular applications, varying rates of nitrogen will be applied.  The rates will be 0, 20, 40, and 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre.

The plots will be evaluated 6-8 weeks after treatment.  Data to be collected include:  canopy closure, stolon length, stolon number, turf color, percent N in clippings, and dry matter yield.

The researchers believe the study may lead to reduced fertilizer inputs and provide scientific data to show that turfgrass producers are aware of the need to limit the potential for fertilizer runoff from their fields.