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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #200849
Title: RECOMMENDED SEEDING RATES FOR REDUCED-MAINTENANCE,TURF-TYPE WHEATGRASS

Author
item HANKS, JUSTIN - UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
item JOHNSON, PAUL - UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
item Waldron, Blair

Submitted to: Applied Turfgrass Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/22/2006
Publication Date: 8/8/2006
Citation: Hanks, J.D., Johnson, P.G., Waldron, B.L. 2006. Recommended seeding rates for reduced-maintenance,turf-type wheatgrass. Applied Turfgrass Science.

Interpretive Summary: Crested wheatgrass has potential as a reduced-maintenance turfgrass, but seeding rates that assure rapid, uniform establishment are critical for success. This study compared different crested wheatgrasses when seeded at 0.5, 2.0, and 6.0 lb/1000 ft2. Plots received limited irrigation and fertilizer and were mowed at 3 inches. Higher seeding rates consistently had higher percent cover ratings than did lower seeding rates during the year of establishment (1999), but by July of 2000, no differences existed between the 2.0 and 6.0 lb/1000 ft2 seeding rates for turf quality, and percent cover. A seeding rate of 6. lb/1000 ft2 is recommended for fastest establishment of wheatgrass cultivars in a low maintenance turf. A 2.0 lb/1000 ft2 seeding rate could be used, but would likely need somewhat more maintenance and time to achieve a comparable stand.

Technical Abstract: Crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.] has potential as a reduced-maintenance turfgrass, but seeding rates that assure rapid, uniform establishment are critical for success. 'Roadcrest,' CWG-R, and Chelkar breeding populations of crested wheatgrass, 'Sodar' streambank wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould], and 'Gazelle' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were seeded at 0.5, 2.0, and 6.0 lb/1000 ft2 in 1999. Plots were irrigated 50 to 60% ET0 replacement, with 2 lb of N per 1000 ft2 per year, and mowed at 3 inches. Higher seeding rates consistently had higher percent cover ratings than did lower seeding rates in 1999. By July of 2000, no differences existed between the 2.0 and 6.0 lb/1000 ft2 seeding rates for turf quality, and percent cover, but both had higher ratings than the 0.5 lb/1000 ft2 rates. Sodar, Chelkar, and tall fescue established faster, retained a denser stand, and better turf quality than Roadcrest and CWG-R. A seeding rate of 6.0 lb/1000 ft2 is recommended for fastest establishment of wheatgrass cultivars in a low maintenance turf. A 2.0 lb/1000 ft2 seeding rate could be used but would likely need somewhat more maintenance and time to achieve a comparable stand.