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TURFGRASS SCIENCE

Tifway Bermudagrass Response To Potassium Fertilization

Soil and Water Science Dep., Univ. of Florida, P.O. Box 110510, Gainesville, FL 32611

* Corresponding author (jbs{at}gnv.ifas.ufl.edu)

Potassium fertilization rates used for ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] vary greatly among turfgrass managers and there is no consensus as to the actual quantity required or as to the best Potassium (K) source to use. Effects of K source and rate on Tifway bermudagrass shoot and root growth, quality and tissue K concentration were studied in a 3-yr field study in Central Florida. Turf was grown on an Arredondo fine sand (loamy, siliceous, hyperthermic, Grossarenic Paleudult). Two K sources (KCl and K₂SO₄) were applied at 8 rates (0, 3.7, 7.4, 9.8, 14.7, 22, 29.4, and 36.8 g K m^-2 90 d^-1) in conjunction with N applied monthly at 4.9 g m^-2. Potassium chloride produced a more rapid shoot growth than did K₂SO₄, but this effect may be linked to the N source. Bermudagrass shoot growth rate and tissue K concentrations were increased by K fertilization up to 7.4 g K m^-2 90 d^-1. There was no additional increases in either of the aforementioned parameters, regardless of the K level applied. Turfgrass quality and root weight were not influenced by K application. Greater root weight was observed during May, June, and July than August, September, and October. Observed turfgrass growth responses to Mehlich-1 extractable K levels suggest that 30 mg K kg^-1 soil may be adequate for optimum growth. For an N application rate of 4.9 g m^-2 mo^-1, K fertilization levels above 9.8 g K m^-2 90 d^-1 probably will not enhance Tifway bermudagrass shoot and root growth, quality, or tissue K concentration.

Abbreviations: K, potassium • N, nitrogen • KCl, potassium chloride • K₂SO₄, potassium sulfate • (NH₄)₂SO₄, ammonium sulfate • NH₄NO₃, ammonium nitrate • TNC, total nonstructural carbohydrates • CEC, cation exchange capacity

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