Clippings return decreases mineral nitrogen requirements for bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) lawns in Mediterranean Europe
2021
Schiavon, Marco | Pornaro, Cristina | Macolino, Stefano
The use of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and hybrid bermudagrass (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) in lawns is rapidly increasing in Mediterranean Europe; however, the identification of optimal N fertilization practices is needed to shorten the long dormancy periods some cultivars undergo in these environments. A 2‐yr study was conducted at the agricultural experimental farm of Padova University from May 2016 until June 2018 to compare the effects of three N fertilization rates (160 kg N ha⁻¹ without clippings returned, 80 kg N ha⁻¹ with clippings returned, and 80 kg N ha⁻¹ without clippings returned applied with a controlled‐release fertilizer) on two bermudagrass cultivars (‘La Paloma’, ‘Yukon’) and two hybrid bermudagrass cultivars (‘Patriot’, ‘Tifway’) by measuring summer and fall quality, spring green‐up, and root morphology. Bermudagrasses fertilized at 160 kg N ha⁻¹ without clippings returned slightly increased turfgrass quality in the summer, but higher turf quality was recorded in plots fertilized at 80 kg N ha⁻¹ with clippings returned after weekly mowing events in the fall. The same N rates had a positive effect on spring green‐up for ‘La Paloma’ and ‘Tifway’; however, no benefits of increased N rates were detected on root morphology. Results suggest that returning clippings can be a powerful tool for reducing mineral N applications and increase growing season length in northern Italy.
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