Monday, November 5, 2007
74-14
Fertilizer Programs to Facilitate Restablishment Following Winterkill.
Erica Titus, Kevin Frank, and Jeff Bryan. Michigan State University, Michigan State University, A584-g Plant Soil Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48824
The general loss of turf during winter is referred to as winterkill. Many cultural and environmental factors influence the prevention and occurrence of winterkill. Due to the scattered kill patterns re-seeding can prove difficult, although it is the primary technique for recovery. The objectives of this study are to determine the effect of turf species and fertilizer program on reestablishment after winterkill. The experimental design is a single cultivar, with 8 nutritional programs, with three replications. The study simulated winterkill by the application of non-selective herbicide in spring 2007. Once weather conditions permitted the damaged greens were seeded with creeping bentgrass cultivar A4 at 98 kg/ha. Prior to seeding a vertical aerator with a Job Saver attachment was used to create indentions for the seed to germinate. Starter fertilizer (19-25-5) was applied at 49 kg/ha at seeding and light topdressing applied to all plots. Fertilizer treatments began as soon as seeding was accomplished and varied in application timing and rate. Reestablishment of plots will be assessed using visual estimates and computer analysis by taking pictures and using Sigma Scan digital imaging software. Visual quality measurements will also be recorded as well as time of seedling emergence and days to complete cover. Results will be presented.