Impact of wastewater irrigations and planting methods on leaf firing, colour, quality and traffic tolerance of turfgrass

Abstract

Aim: Impact assessment of wastewater irrigations on growth and quality of turfgrass under planting with or without plastic base may be provided the information for feasibility of wastewater use in turf/lawn grass. Methodology: Turfgrass (Cynodon dactylon L. var. selection-1) was planted under two planting methods (with plastic base and without) during 2013. Treatments were taken as three wastewater irrigation schedules of crop evapotranspiration (ETc, at 75, 100 and 125% and one control as groundwater irrigations at 100% ETc). The experiment was laid-out in randomized block design with three replications. Data were recorded on leaf firing, colour, quality and traffic tolerance of turfgrass continuously for 3 years (2013-16) through rating based monthly visual observations. Results: Monthly ratings on leaf firing, colour, quality and traffic tolerance of turfgrass were stated that leaf firing percentage was high during winter months and low in summer months. Ratings on colour and quality were found ranging between 6.5 to 8.0 (acceptable rating is 5) for most of months of the year excepting 3 winter months (December, January and February) in each year. In general, turfgrass grown under plastic base planting and irrigated at 125% ETc were observed to be associated with higher quality/colour. Interpretation: Leaf firing, colour, quality and traffic tolerance of turfgrass was not affected by the wastewater irrigations practices. Plastic base planting and irrigation at 125% ETc may appreciably be enhanced by the appearance of turfgrass.