Brad Westmoreland1, Kurt Steinke2, and Richard White1. (1) Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, 370 Olsen Blvd., Heep Center, 2474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, (2) Heep Center 370 Olsen Blvd. 2474 TAMU, Texas A&M University - Soil & Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences, College Station, TX 77843
The difficulty in managing organic matter accumulation and the subsequent issues of scalping and obtaining a quality cut continue to hinder the management of warm-season turfgrasses. A study was conducted investigating the effects of frequent turf grooming on plant morphology and the ability of this practice to aid in the autumn and spring transitions of overseeded warm-season turfgrasses. Main plots consisted of three turf species maintained at fairway height: ‘Cavalier' Zoysia matrella, ‘Sea Isle I' Paspalum vaginatum, and ‘Tifway 419' C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis. Sub-plot treatments consisted of three grooming intervals (reel-mowed without grooming, groomed once weekly, and groomed every mowing) and four overseeding rates (high, moderate, low, and none). Digital image analysis will monitor percent green cover, scalping and overseeding effects. Data collection included new shoot initiation, total biomass production, thatch thickness, and weed/disease development. Particular attention will focus on the autumn and spring transition periods. Data from the first growing season will be presented and discussed.