Nitrogen and chelated iron fertilization on the growth and physiology of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustrus Huds)

Fall-winter and spring-summer fertilizations with chelated iron and nitrogen were evaluated on the growth and physiology of creeping bentgrass. Iron, when applied alone, did not provide a satisfactory turf color during the winter and early spring. However, spring root growth was generally increased with iron while carbohydrates remained high, but top growth was low when compared to treatments receiving nitrogen. When applied alone in the late spring, iron improved turf color only slightly and top growth was not stimulated. Fall and winter applications of nitrogen alone increased spring appearance and root development, but recovery from·a five-week desiccation period and leaf carbohydrates were generally reduced with each increment applied. Late spring applications of nitrogen alone improved turf appearance and top growth; however, root growth sampled in July was lowest for all spring treatments. Turf appearance, chlorophyll content, spring top growth, and recovery from desiccation were enhanced by frequent fall and winter applications of nitrogen plus iron without decreasing root growth or exhausting carbohydrates. Iron, when applied in combination with nitrogen in late spring, gave the best appearance of all treatments while reducing top growth slightly. This response was believed to be caused by a beneficial synergistic effect between the two nutrients. Subsequently, root development was also increased without further depletion of carbohydrates. It was suggested that with improved sampling technique, iron in conjunction with nitrogen summer fertilization would improve antidesiccation of bentgrass during high temperatures. Results obtained indicate that iron programmed with nitrogen fertilization should improve the appearance and vigor of bentgrass turf.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agronomy

Department dc:contributor.department

Agronomy

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1972

Author dc:creator

• Snyder, Vincent

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/76372

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/76372