Monday, November 5, 2007 - 11:35 AM
72-15

Evaluation of Fertility Protocols for Sprig Establishment of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum).

J. Lewayne White Jr.1, Freddie Waltz2, and Paul Raymer2. (1) Crop and Soil Sciences, The University of Georgia, Weed Science Bldg., 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, (2) 1109 Experiment St., University of Georgia, University of Georgia, C&SS Redding Bldg., Griffin, GA 30223-1797

Vegetative establishment of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is commonly accomplished from sprigs, predominately stolons but may include rhizomes.  Rate of establishment can range from 60 to 90 days but can vary depending on sprigging rate, water quality, environmental conditions, and fertility.  Rapid establishment is desired for speed of play on the grassed surface and, for environmental and engineering purposes by maintaining surface grade and, thereby, preventing soil erosion.  It has been suggested that seashore paspalum will establish more rapidly when the nitrogen source is nitrate based, opposed to ammoniacal sources.  Practitioners have also observed improved establishment when supplemental potassium has been applied.  To validate these observations and industry recommendations a study was initiated in Griffin, Georgia.  The entire plot area was sprigged with ‘SeaIsle Supreme’ seashore paspalum at 500 bushels / acre on 16 July 2007.  Potable water was used as an irrigation source for the duration of the study.  Fertility treatments were first applied 7 days after sprigging and included a nitrate-nitrogen only program, a liquid potassium program, mixed nitrogen, potassium, and biostimulants program, and a combination program with ammoniacal-nitrogen and potassium.  Fertilizer treatments were delayed 7 days from sprigging to omit the potential of leaching or runoff associated with the initial high volumes of irrigation needed to root sprigs.  Treatments were then applied weekly or biweekly, depending on the prescribed program, through 63 days after sprigging.  After the initiation of the fertility treatments, irrigation was reduced to supply sufficient water but avoid runoff.  Measurements included visual and digital imaging of surface coverage, turfgrass color and quality, soil potassium concentrations, and leaf tissue analysis.  At 21 days after sprigging, two weeks after initiation of fertility treatments, there were no observable differences between any treatments.  Any treatment advantage occurred once sprigs were well rooted and after multiple fertilizer applications.