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CROP PHYSIOLOGY & METABOLISM

Nitrogen Rate and Mowing Height Effects on Turf-Type Buffalograss

^a Dep. of Crop and Soil Sci., Michigan St. Univ., East Lansing, MI 48824
^b Dep. of Agronomy and Horticulture, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
^c Div. of Horticulture, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS 66506
^d Washington St. Univ., Puyallup Research Stn., 7612 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup, WA 98373
^e Dep. of Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology, Utah St. Univ., 4820 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

^* Corresponding author (frankk{at}msu.edu).

	ABSTRACT

TOP NOTES ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

 
Buffalograss [Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] is a turfgrass species with reduced irrigation and fertilization requirements, relative to traditional turfgrasses. Interest in reducing the amount of chemicals and water applied to turfgrass has resulted in increased efforts to improve buffalograss as a turfgrass. As interest in using the new turf-type buffalograss cultivars has increased, the need for nitrogen rate and mowing height recommendations supported by research have become necessary. ‘Cody’, ‘Texoka’, ‘378’, and ‘NE 91-118’ buffalograss cultivars were planted at sites located in Nebraska, Kansas, and Utah to determine nitrogen rate and mowing height effects on buffalograss quality, color, density, and clipping yield. There were significant cultivar x nitrogen rate interactions at all sites for quality, color, and density. Regardless of cultivar, nitrogen rate x year interactions at all sites revealed that the 98 kg N ha^–1 rate sustained quality, color, and density over the 3-yr evaluation period, while lower nitrogen rates had decreased quality, color, and density. The 195 kg N ha^–1 rate improved quality over the 3-yr period but also had the highest clipping yields. Regardless of the cultivar selected, the data support the general mowing height recommendation for turf-type buffalograss of 5.0 to 7.5 cm. For golf course fairways maintained at a mowing height of 2.5 cm, the vegetatively established cultivars (NE 91-118 and 378) are the best choice to achieve high turfgrass quality.

	INTRODUCTION

TOP NOTES ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

 
BUFFALOGRASS is a warm season, C₄ grass native to the Great Plains of North America (Wenger, 1943). Exceptional drought tolerance, good heat resistance, and cold tolerance enable buffalograss to be distributed across the Great Plains (Beard, 1973; Beetle, 1950; Savage, 1933; Wenger, 1943).

Interest in buffalograss as a turfgrass species is primarily due to its water conservation and minimal maintenance characteristics (Pozarnsky, 1983; Riordan, 1991; Wu and Harivandi, 1989). Recently developed turf-type buffalograss cultivars have been used on home lawns, golf courses, public grounds, and highways (Cline, 1994; Falkenberg-Borland and Butler, 1982; Fry, 1995; Wu and Harivandi, 1989).

Buffalograss has been described in numerous Extension and trade publications as a low maintenance turfgrass that has reduced irrigation, nitrogen, and mowing requirements and few disease and insect pests (Pozarnsky, 1983; Leuthold et al., 1991; Riordan, 1991; Wu et al., 1991), but scientific-based information supporting these claims is lacking. Management recommendations appear to be based on observation and not replicated research trials. Extension bulletins suggest the desired use and quality of buffalograss determines the choice of mowing height and frequency (deShazer et al., 1991; Leuthold et al., 1991). Mowing height recommendations for buffalograss range between 5 and 10 cm (deShazer et al., 1992).

Research on buffalograss in Colorado indicated that moderate levels of nitrogen fertilization improve buffalograss growth, quality, color, and density (Falkenberg, 1982). However, the buffalograss cultivar used in Falkenberg's research was not specified and the results achieved may certainly differ from the new, improved turf-type buffalograss cultivars. Current fertilizer recommendations range from 0 to 98 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1 (deShazer et al., 1991; Leuthold et al., 1991; Riordan, 1991). Excessive or frequent fertilizer applications are reported to encourage weed interference and have little, if any, positive effect on buffalograss quality (deShazer et al., 1991; Harivandi and Wu, 1995; Leuthold et al., 1991; Riordan, 1991).

Although general buffalograss management recommendations pertaining to fertilization and mowing are available, research on turf-type buffalograss management is limited. With this in mind, this research was conducted to determine nitrogen rate and mowing height effects on buffalograss turfgrass quality, color, density, and clipping yield.

	MATERIALS AND METHODS

TOP NOTES ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

 
Two vegetative cultivars, 378 and NE 91-118, and two seeded cultivars, Cody and Texoka, were planted in 1995 at three sites: the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass Research Facility located at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead, NE; Kansas State University Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center at Manhattan, KS; and the Utah State University Greenville Research Farm at Logan, UT. The soil types at the Nebraska, Kansas, and Utah sites were a Tomek silty clay loam (fine montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll), a Chase silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, messic, Aquic, Arquicolls), and a Millville silt loam (coarse-silty, carbonatic, mesic Typic Haploxepolls), respectively. Soil samples were taken before establishment at all sites and tested for pH, P, and K. At the Nebraska site: pH = 7.0, P = 71 µg g^–1 (Bray P1 extractable P), and K = 413 µg g^–1. At the Kansas site: pH = 6.8, P = 50 µg g^–1 (Bray P1 extractable P), and K = 471 µg g^–1. At the Utah site: pH = 8.0, P = 30 µg g^–1 (Olsen extractable P), and K = 471 µg g^–1.

The same planting procedures were used at the three locations. Vegetative plugs of NE 91-118 and 378, 5 cm in diam., were planted on 30-cm centers and Cody and Texoka were seeded at 98 kg burs ha^–1. Cody and Texoka seed were incorporated into the soil to a depth of approximately 1 cm using a leaf rake. After planting, a cultipacker was rolled over the plots to facilitate plug and seed to soil contact. Starter fertilizer (19N-11P-4K) was applied at 49 kg N ha^–1 and simazine herbicide (6-chloro-N, N'-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) was applied at 1.12 kg a.i. ha^–1 at planting. Four weeks after planting (WAP), sulfur coated urea fertilizer (25N-0P-8K) was applied at 49 kg N ha^–1 and at 8 WAP urea (46N-0P-0K) was applied at 24 kg N ha^–1. Plots were mowed periodically at 6.4 cm and irrigation was applied as necessary to maintain a moist seedbed during the establishment year.

Buffalograss was successfully established at the Nebraska and Kansas sites in 1995. At the Utah site, 378 and NE 91-118 failed to cover the plots in 1995, but the seeded cultivars were successfully established. The transport of plugs to Utah, which included washing of soil from the plugs, was believed to be a factor slowing establishment. Because of negligible survival of 378 at the Utah site, the decision was made to abandon 378 and concentrate on establishment of NE 91-118. Additional NE 91-118 plant material was transported to the Utah site and planted in May of 1996. By the end of the 1996 growing season, the NE 91-118 plots had at least 70% buffalograss cover.

Preemergence herbicides were applied each year from 1996 to 1998. At the Nebraska and Kansas sites, pendimethalin [N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dintrobenzenamine] was applied at 3 kg ai ha^–1 in 1996 and dithiopyr [S,S-dimethyl-2-(difluoromethyl)-4-(2-methylpropyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarbothioate] was applied at 0.56 kg ai ha^–1 in 1997 and 1998. At the Utah site simazine was applied at 1.12 kg ai ha^–1 in May 1996 and pendimethalin was applied at 3 kg ai ha^–1 in 1997 and 1998.

In 1996, mowing heights and nitrogen treatments were initiated. Mowing heights were 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 cm. Plots were mowed weekly with clippings removed. Nitrogen was applied in two equal applications with the first application in early June and the second application in mid-July, 6 wk after the first application. A polymer coated fertilizer (36N-1P-6K) was used to apply total nitrogen amounts of 24, 49, 98, and 195 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1. In addition, an untreated control was included. Immediately after fertilizer applications, plots were irrigated with approximately 1.3 cm water. After adjusting for precipitation at each site, 5.0 cm of water was applied every 2 wk throughout the research.

Turfgrass quality, color, and density were rated visually on a scale of 1 to 9 with 1 = poor, 6 = acceptable, and 9 = excellent. The rating scale for density was 1 = least and 9 = most. The rating scale for color was 1 = straw brown, 6 = acceptable, and 9 = dark green. Ratings were taken every 2 wk after the first nitrogen application and continued until 6 wk after the second nitrogen application. Clippings were harvested 4 wk after each fertilizer application, dried at 60°C for 48 h and dry weights recorded.

Experimental design for each site was a randomized incomplete block design and treatment design was a split-split-plot. Main plots were buffalograss cultivars, split plots were mowing heights, and split-split plots were nitrogen rates. Statistical analysis indicated site effects; therefore, data were analyzed separately by site. Treatment differences were tested using Proc Mixed statistical analysis (SAS Institute Inc., 1997). Means were separated using Fisher's Protected LSD procedure.

	RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

TOP NOTES ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

 
The results of analysis of variance for turfgrass quality are presented in Tables 1, 2, and 3 for the Nebraska, Kansas, and Utah sites, respectively.

The cultivar x nitrogen rate interaction was not always significant at all sites throughout 1996 to 1998; therefore, direct comparisons among sites are limited. Environmental conditions and soil characteristics at the sites may favor one cultivar over another. Identification of the factors that are the primary determinants of turfgrass quality at the sites is beyond the scope of this research. However, it should be recognized that the cultivar response to nitrogen rates did differ among sites and site differences could potentially influence management recommendations.

Although the response of specific cultivars to nitrogen rates at the sites varied, the overall turfgrass quality responses to nitrogen were similar. As nitrogen rate increased, turfgrass quality improved and acceptable quality ratings for all cultivars, except Texoka, required 98 kg N ha^–1. The primary difference among the cultivars at the sites was at the low nitrogen rates where quality was often unacceptable. Texoka required 195 kg N ha^–1 to reach acceptable turfgrass quality ratings. There are several explanations as to why Texoka required a higher nitrogen rate to achieve acceptable turfgrass quality ratings. Although used as a minimal maintenance turfgrass, Texoka was developed for use as a forage grass on rangelands (Voigt et al., 1974). In comparison to the improved turf-type seeded cultivars, such as Cody, Texoka produces a turf stand that is less dense. The density ratings for Texoka, especially at the 2.5-cm mowing height, were often very low throughout the research (data not presented) and the lack of density definitely influenced the quality ratings.

Nitrogen Rate x Year
There was a nitrogen rate x year interaction for turfgrass quality, color, and density at all sites. The quality response to nitrogen rates from 1996 to 1998 was similar for all sites. Data will be presented for the Nebraska site only. Quality declined from 1996 to 1998 for the 0, 24, and 49 kg N ha^–1 rates (Table 6). There were no differences in quality from 1996 to 1998 for the 98 kg N ha^–1 rate. Quality improved from 1996 to 1998 at the 195 kg N ha^–1 rate. The 98 kg N ha^–1 rate sustained turfgrass quality over three years, while lower nitrogen rates did not.

Turfgrass density responses over the 3-yr period closely resembled the quality and color responses. There was a nitrogen rate x year interaction for turfgrass density at all sites (data not presented). The interaction revealed the 98 and 195 kg N ha^–1 rate sustained density over the 3-yr period but the 0, 24, and 49 kg N ha^–1 rates had declining density over time.

Clipping Yield
The 195 kg N ha^–1 rate had the highest turfgrass quality but for some cultivars also produced greater amounts of clippings than the 98 kg N ha^–1 rate. The nitrogen rate x cultivar interaction for clipping weights was significant at the Nebraska and Kansas sites in 1997 and 1998. At the Utah site, N rate was significant 1996 to 1998 with the 195 kg N ha^–1 rate having the highest clipping weight (data not presented). At the Nebraska site in 1997, there were no differences in clipping weights between the 98 and 195 kg N ha^–1 rate for NE 91-118 and 378, but clipping weights were highest at the 195 kg N ha^–1 rate for Cody and Texoka (Fig. 1) . At the Kansas site, the results were similar although the clipping weight response to nitrogen rates for vegetative (NE 91-118 and 378) and seeded (Cody and Texoka) selections was not as distinct (data not presented). There was no difference in clipping weights between 98 and 195 kg N ha^–1 for NE 91-118, but for 378, Cody, and Texoka the 195 kg N ha^–1 rate had the highest clipping weights. Although the 195 kg N ha^–1 rate had the highest quality it also produced the highest amount of turfgrass clippings. If the desire is to manage buffalograss as a minimal maintenance turfgrass with infrequent mowing, the 195 kg N ha^–1 rate would not be favorable because of excessive clipping production.

View larger version (18K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Fig. 1. Clipping weights for the cultivar x nitrogen rate interaction at 4 wk after the second nitrogen application in 1997 at the Nebraska site. Significance at 0.05 level of probability among cultivars at the same nitrogen rate is indicated with an * or ns (not significant) at each nitrogen rate.

Mowing Height Response
Differences among Cultivars
The cultivar x mowing height interaction for turfgrass quality was significant for each year from 1996 to 1998 at the Nebraska site, 1997 and 1998 at the Kansas site, and 1996 and 1997 at the Utah site (Tables 1, 2, and 3). The overall results from each site were similar. In 1997 at the Nebraska and Kansas sites at 4 wk after the second nitrogen application, NE 91-118, 378, and Cody had the highest quality at the 2.5-cm mowing height (Table 7). At the Utah site, NE 91-118 had the highest quality at the 2.5-cm mowing height; however, 378 was not tested at this location (Table 7). At the 2.5-cm mowing height at all locations, Texoka consistently had the lowest quality ratings; but, at the Nebraska site in 1998 and at the Kansas site in 1997 and 1998 Texoka's quality was not different than Cody (Tables 7 and 8).

For the 7.5-cm mowing height at the Nebraska site there were no differences among cultivars in 1996 and 1997 (Table 7). In 1998, Cody, Texoka, and 378 had the highest numerical quality values, however the only statistical difference in quality was between 378 and NE 91-118 (Table 8). At the Kansas and Utah sites there were no differences in quality among cultivars at the 7.5-cm mowing height in 1997 and 1998 or 1996 and 1997, respectively (Tables 7 and 8). In almost all cases at all sites there were no differences in quality among the cultivars at the 7.5-cm mowing height. Unlike the 2.5- and 5.0-cm mowing heights, Texoka performed equally to other cultivars at the 7.5-cm mowing height.

Mowing Height Results for Cultivars
Although mowing height results for each cultivar are not entirely consistent for all locations and years, the following conclusions can be drawn.

NE 91-118 appears to be adapted to a wide range of mowing heights while still achieving acceptable turfgrass quality. The result that was consistent was that among mowing heights NE 91-118 had lower quality ratings at the 7.5-cm mowing height. This was true for all sites in 1997 and for the Kansas site in 1998 (Tables 7 and 8). Turfgrass quality at the 7.5-cm mowing height was lower than the other mowing heights because of stolons lying on top of the canopy and generally detracting from the overall uniformity of the turfgrass stand. This response would certainly not make the 7.5-cm mowing height unacceptable for low maintenance sites but for high profile areas this appearance may be undesirable. The 2.5-cm mowing height would only be recommended for golf course fairways or other intensively maintained sites.

For 378 and Cody, the 5.0- and 7.5-cm mowing height resulted in the highest quality at the Nebraska site in 1998 and the Utah site in 1997. At the Kansas site there were no differences in quality among mowing heights for 378 and Cody, nor were there any differences at the Nebraska site in 1997. For Texoka, the 5.0- and 7.5-cm mowing heights were clearly preferred to obtain the highest quality.

Our data supports the general mowing height recommendation for turf-type buffalograss of 5.0 to 7.5 cm. The data also support tolerance to lower mowing heights (i.e., 2.5 cm) by cultivars such as NE 91-118 and 378. These results substantiate past views expressed in extension publications on the recommended mowing height for buffalograss (deShazer et al., 1991; Leuthold et al., 1991).

	CONCLUSIONS

TOP NOTES ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

 
Because of differences in cultivar response to the nitrogen and mowing height treatments at the three sites, making specific management recommendations for the buffalograss cultivars is difficult. However, several nitrogen rate and mowing height effects were consistent among sites. The nitrogen rate x year interaction was significant at all sites for buffalograss quality, color, and density. The 98 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1 rate sustained quality, color, and density over the 3-yr period, but lower nitrogen rates resulted in decreased quality, color, and density. The 195 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1 rate increased quality, color, and density over the 3-yr period but also had the highest clipping weights, especially for the seeded cultivars Cody and Texoka. Based on our results, the 98 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1 rate is sufficient to provide acceptable turfgrass quality and color for the cultivars tested. The higher nitrogen rate (195 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1) enhanced color and overall quality, but this rate would seem to contradict the use of buffalograss as a low maintenance turfgrass with relatively low nitrogen and mowing frequency requirements. If a high level of management is desired, including frequent mowing due to high clipping production, the 195 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1 rate would be an acceptable choice. For situations where a low input management program with modest nitrogen rates and infrequent mowing are desired, the 98 kg N ha^–1 rate is the best choice.

Mowing heights in the range of 5.0-7.5 cm provide acceptable turf quality for the cultivars tested. The use of lower (98 kg ha^–1 yr^–1) nitrogen rates and higher mowing heights (5.0–7.5 cm) provide a low maintenance buffalograss turf of acceptable quality. Although NE 91-118 and 378 responded favorably to both the higher (195 kg ha^–1 yr^–1) nitrogen rate and low (2.5 cm) mowing height, these levels of maintenance are only recommended when these cultivars are utilized for golf course fairways or other high maintenance turf.

	ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 
The authors express thanks to the United States Golf Association for providing financial support for this research. The authors would also like to thank Leonard Wit, Jeff Witkowski, and Alan Zuk for their assistance in plot maintenance.

	NOTES

TOP NOTES ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

 
Contribution of Kansas Agric. Exp. Stn. No. 04-049-J.

Received for publication July 14, 2003.

	REFERENCES

TOP NOTES ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

 

• Beard, J.B. 1973. Turfgrass: Science and culture. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
• Beetle, A.A. 1950. Buffalograss-native of the shortgrass plains. Univ. Wyoming Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. 293.
• Cline, Harry. 1994. Sod finds new life in erosion control. Turf Manage. (July) p. 6–7.
• deShazer, S.A., T.P. Riordan, F.P. Baxendale, and R.E. Gaussoin. 1992. Buffalograss: A warm-season native grass for turf. Coop. Ext., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE. EC92–1245-C.
• Falkenberg, D.F. 1982. Buffalograss, blue grama, and fairway wheatgrass for dryland turf. M.S. Thesis. Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins.
• Fry, J.D. 1995. Establishing buffalograss. Golf Course Manage. 63(4):58–60.
• Harivandi, A. and L. Wu. 1995. Buffalograss–A promising drought-resistant turf for California. Coop. Ext., University of California. 45(1&2).
• Leuthold, L., J. Pair, and R. Gaussoin. 1991. Buffalograss lawns. Horticulture Facts MF-658 Revised. Coop. Ext. Service, Kansas State Univ. Manhattan, KS.
• Pozarnsky, T. 1983. Buffalograss: Home on the range, but also a turf grass. Rangelands 5(5):214–216.
• Riordan, T.P. 1991. Buffalograss. p. 12–14. Grounds Maintenance. February.
• SAS Institute Inc. 1997. SAS/STAT Software: Changes and enhancements through release 6.12. SAS Inst., Cary, NC.
• Savage, D.A. 1933. Buffalograss for fairways in the plains states. USGA Green Section Bull. 13(5):144–149.
• Voigt, P.W., W.R. Kneebone, J.R. Harlan, and R.M. Ahring. 1975. Registration of Texoka buffalograss. Crop Sci. 15:885.[Free Full Text]
• Wenger, L.E. 1943. Buffalo Grass. Kans. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. 321.
• Wu, L., and A. Harivandi. 1989. Buffalograss: Promising, drought-resistant- and here now. Golf Course Manage. 57(4):42–45.
• Wu, L., D. Huff, and A. Harivandi. 1991. Buffalograss as a low-maintenance turf. p. 23–25. California Agriculture. March-April.

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Crop Science 2004 44: 1507-1510. [Full Text]  

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