Conversion of Kentucky Bluegrass Rough to No-Mow, Low-Input Grasses

• DOI: 10.1094/ats-2011-0926-02-rs
• Publication Date: 2011-09-28T06:07:39Z
• Authors: M. Cavanaugh; E. Watkins; B. Horgan; M. Meyer
• Keywords: Poa pratensis; Festuca rubra; Poa annua; Festuca arundinacea

With golf course water, fertilizer, and pesticide restrictions on the rise labor costs continuing to increase, superintendents are looking for ways reduce maintained Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) rough. The objective of this study was (i) compare several methods converting rough no-mow, low-input grasses (ii) determine best turfgrass species that provides a playable aesthetically pleasing stand type conversion. Five grass five conversion were evaluated at two locations in Minnesota. Data collected included visual quality, tendency lodging, inflorescence counts, biomass production, regrowth, broadleaf weed invasion. At Maple Grove, fumigation treatment provided highest quality ratings sod removal St. Paul quality. Only sheep fescue (Festuca ovina able provide acceptable by Year 2 only Paul. Chewing's (F. rubra L. ssp. Commutata Gaudin) strong creeping red L.ssp. rubra) resisting invasion both locations. Hard brevipila Tracey) lodging along with