Evaluation of 'Miniverde' bermudagrass and 'Diamond' zoysiagrass putting green establishment using granular fertilizer applications

Abstract

'Miniverde' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis (Burtt-Davy)] and 'Diamond' zoysiagrass [Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.] are becoming more widely used on putting greens in the transition zone. Field studies were conducted from June through Aug. 2008 and 2009 in Raleigh, NC, and in Jackson Springs, NC, respectively. The objective was to determine the influence of granular fertilizer programs consisting of various nitrogen (N) sources and rates on the establishment of 'Miniverde' and 'Diamond' from sprigs. In 2008, the experimental area consisted of a putting green built to U.S. Golf Association (USGA) recommendations [85 sand:15 peat (v/v)]. A native sandy-soil putting green was used in 2009. Fertilizer programs consisting of stabilized urea, polymer-coated urea, and a combination of stabilized urea and activated sewage sludge were initiated 1 week after planting (WAP). Nitrogen rates ranged from 12 to 48 kg·ha-1/week. Nitrogen source and rate differentially influenced turf color and establishment. The combination program increased color of both grasses to an acceptable level earlier than other programs. Coverage rates of both grasses under the combination program were significantly higher than other programs across both years. Despite having the most total N applied, the polymer-coated urea program did not significantly enhance bermudagrass and zoysiagrass color or establishment compared with other programs. Increasing the N rate of stabilized urea from 12 to 24 kg·ha-1/week did not increase establishment for either grass. This research indicates that 'Miniverde' bermudagrass and 'Diamond' zoysiagrass planted in the summer can be completely established from sprigs in the transition zone using granular fertilizer. However, turfgrass color and coverage may vary depending on N sources and rates within the fertilizer program.