Topsoil and Seeding Studies at Vicksburg, Mississippi
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Author(s):
Meredith, E. C.
Corporate Author(s): Waterways Experiment Station
Date of Publication: 1953-02
Pages: 64
DoD Task:
PB Number: PB108828
Identifier: AD0003396
Abstract:
The characteristics of soil and the seeding and fertilizing rates for the effective production of turf grasses were investigated on 3 test plots by varying topsoil and subgrade types, thickness of topsoil, and fertilizing and seeding rates. The impervious clay topsoil rows developed turf first, but were weed infested and developed large shrinkage cracks in dry weather. The granular topsoils maintained higher turf densities and were satisfactory turf producers. Fine-grained soils were more effective as subsoils for the intermediate type of topsoils than was the free-draining sand subsoil. A 3-in. thickness of granular topsoil was most effective over fine-grained subsoil, but a greater than 6-in. thickness was required over free-draining sand subgrade. A centrifuge moisture equivalent (CME) of 30 was the maximum for producing turf in impervious clay topsoils; rather pervious soils (CME of 4) produced turf. A high rate of N fertilizer promoted early growth, and replenishment at 0.5 lb/1000 sq ft was adequate to maintain high turf density. N treatment was necessary for establishment and maintenance of turf, and was more effective than artificial watering during dry weather. The 10 lb/acre seeding rate for Bermuda grass with fertilizer was as effective as 4 times the rate without N. Grain straw was an effective mulch for protecting newly seeded areas. Growth was retarded when grass was cut to less than 1.5 in.
Corporate Author(s): Waterways Experiment Station
Date of Publication: 1953-02
Pages: 64
DoD Task:
PB Number: PB108828
Identifier: AD0003396
Abstract:
The characteristics of soil and the seeding and fertilizing rates for the effective production of turf grasses were investigated on 3 test plots by varying topsoil and subgrade types, thickness of topsoil, and fertilizing and seeding rates. The impervious clay topsoil rows developed turf first, but were weed infested and developed large shrinkage cracks in dry weather. The granular topsoils maintained higher turf densities and were satisfactory turf producers. Fine-grained soils were more effective as subsoils for the intermediate type of topsoils than was the free-draining sand subsoil. A 3-in. thickness of granular topsoil was most effective over fine-grained subsoil, but a greater than 6-in. thickness was required over free-draining sand subgrade. A centrifuge moisture equivalent (CME) of 30 was the maximum for producing turf in impervious clay topsoils; rather pervious soils (CME of 4) produced turf. A high rate of N fertilizer promoted early growth, and replenishment at 0.5 lb/1000 sq ft was adequate to maintain high turf density. N treatment was necessary for establishment and maintenance of turf, and was more effective than artificial watering during dry weather. The 10 lb/acre seeding rate for Bermuda grass with fertilizer was as effective as 4 times the rate without N. Grain straw was an effective mulch for protecting newly seeded areas. Growth was retarded when grass was cut to less than 1.5 in.