Monday, 7 November 2005 - 1:00 PM
65-1

Comparison of Granular and Liquid Nitrogen Fertility on Creeping Bentgrass.

Frederick W. Totten, Haibo Liu, L.B. McCarty, and Christian Baldwin. Clemson University, Department of Horticulture, E-143 P&A Bldg., Clemson, SC 29631-0319

The objective of this research was to evaluate cumulative effects of liquid and granular fertilization on ‘L-93' bentgrass. Various rates of high and low fertility, using 100% granular fertilization and 50% granular fertilization, were used to compare turf quality, turfgrass clipping yield, and root biomass. The study was conducted on a newly established L-93' bentgrass green constructed to USGA specifications from April to November 2003 and 2004. Treatments consisted of two annual nitrogen inputs, 2.6 and 3.9 lb N/1,000 sq.ft. (127 and 190 kg/ha), using 100% granular fertilizer, 50% granular + 50% liquid fertilizer, and 100% liquid fertilizer. Field plot size was 1.8m x 1.2m. The study design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Foliar and granular applications were conducted biweekly from April to November. An 18-3-18 granular fertilizer was used, and liquid fertilizer applications were made using Daniels 10-3-5 and 5-0-7 products (Progressive Turf Inc, Atlanta, GA). Turf quality, which includes turfgrass density and color, was measured biweekly from April to November. ‘L-93' clippings were harvested for dry weight and nutrient analysis monthly in May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Root samples were harvested in June, August, and October. Soil samples were also collected using the top 15 cm of soil in the root core. Thatch was separated from the root core and evaluated for dry weight. Ball speed was measured monthly in June, July, and August. Tissue nutrient analysis was conducted by the Clemson University Soil Testing Laboratory. For the purpose of this oral presentation, only turfgrass quality, clipping yield, and clipping nutrient analysis will be reported.

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