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Dep. of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design
Agric. Exp. Stn Statistician, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37901-1071
* Corresponding author (lcallaha=aberry1{at}utk.edu).
Thatch accumulation is a serious problem in densely grown turfgrass maintained under low mowing heights. Opinions differ concerning effectiveness of cultural and chemical controls of thatch. The objectives of these studies were to determine the effectiveness of mechanical and chemical treatments in controlling thatch and their influence on soil nutrient retention and pH in a creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) green growing on a U.S. Golf Association (USGA) rootzone. Thatch control treatments were vertical mowing (VM 4 and 8x/yr), coring (core 4x/yr), wetting agent (Wet Ag 7x/ yr), extra K (4x/yr), lime (L 4x/yr) and various combinations, and interactions of these with topdressing (Tpd 3 and 6x/yr). Rootzone nutrients determined were Ca, K, and P and rootzone pH levels were determined. Thatch measurements were determined with a rapid surface sod compression instrument termed the Thatchmeter II. Treatments and measurements were conducted for 6 yr with results reported for the last 3 yr. Lowest non-significant levels of thatch resulted following VM 4x or 8x/yr and VM + coring. Tpd 3x or 6x/yr also effectively prevented thatch buildup. When combining mechanical and chemical methods with Tpd, lowest non-significant levels of thatch resulted following VM 4x or 8x/yr, VM + coring, and VM + L, all combined with Tpd 6x/yr. Extra K (VM + K + L, K + L, K) and Wet Ag resulted in increased thatch. Lime did not influence thatch depth. Loss of rootzone K was 94% and increased with mechanical and chemical treatments. Loss of rootzone P was 86% but extra K and L treatments reduced P loss, especially under pH 7.3 following L treatments. Loss of rootzone Ca was 56% but L and extra K treatments under pH 7.3 reduced this loss.
Received for publication February 15, 1997.
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