DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 289 960 CE 046 423

TITLE Sod Production and Marketing. Instructional MaterialsDeveloped for Iowa Vocational AgricultureTeachers.

INSTITUTION Iowa State Univ. of Science and Technology, Ames.Dept. of Agricultural Education.; Iowa State Univ. ofScience and Technology, Ames. Dept. ofHorticulture.

SPONS AGENCY Iowa State Dept. of Public Instruction, Des Moines.Div. of Career Education.

PUB DATE 86NOTE 88p.; For the other two manuals in this set, see ED

278 859 and CE 046 424. Parts of document are printedon colored paper.

AVAILABLE FROM Iowa Curriculum Assistance System, College ofEducation, N008 Lagomarcino Hall, Iowa StateUniversity, Ames, IA 50011 ($40.00 for three manualsplus slides; not sold separately).

PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Use - Guides (For Teachers) (052)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PC04 Plus Postage.DESCRIPTURS *Agribusiness; Agricultural Education; *Agricultural

Production; Agricultural Trends; ClassroomTechniques; Educational Resources; Farm Management;Field Crops; Harvesting; *Horticulture; LearningActivities; Lesson Flans; *Marketing; Plant Growth;Plant Propagation; Postsecondary Education; SecondaryEducation; Teaching Methods; Transparencies; *TurfManagement; Units of Study; Vocational Education

IDENTIFIERS *Iowa; *Sod Production

ABSTRACTDeveloped for use by vocational agriculture teachers

in Iowa, this instructional unit provides information about thegrowing and marketing of sod for lawns. This document is one of threemanuals making up a single package. (The other two are Christmas TreeProduction and Marketing and Sod Production and Marketing). Themanual includes an instructional plan and related technicalinformation. The instructional plan feaitures objectives, interestapproach, a listing of materials needed, and teaching procedures. Thetechnical information section provides concise information related tosod production and marketing. A reference list is included forteachers wishing additional information on the topic. Transparencymasters and activity sheets are provided and coded to the unit. Alist of 10 slides for use with the instructional materials is alsoprovided. Eleven fact sheets from the Iowa Cooperative ExtensionService discuss various aspects of turfgrass care. (KC)

***********************************************************************Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made *

* from the original document. *

***********************************************************************

DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 289 960 CE 046 423

TITLE Sod Production and Marketing. Instructional MaterialsDeveloped for Iowa Vocational AgricultureTeachers.

INSTITUTION Iowa State Univ. of Science and Technology, Ames.Dept. of Agricultural Education.; Iowa State Univ. ofScience and Technology, Ames. Dept. ofHorticulture.

SPONS AGENCY Iowa State Dept. of Public Instruction, Des Moines.Div. of Career Education.

PUB DATE 86NOTE 88p.; For the other two manuals in this set, see ED

278 859 and CE 046 424. Parts of document are printedon colored paper.

AVAILABLE FROM Iowa Curriculum Assistance System, College ofEducation, N008 Lagomarcino Hall, Iowa StateUniversity, Ames, IA 50011 ($40.00 for three manualsplus slides; not sold separately).

PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Use - Guides (For Teachers) (052)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PC04 Plus Postage.DESCRIPT(RS *Agribusiness; Agricultural Education; *Agricultural

Production; Agricultural Trends; ClassroomTechniques; Educational Resources; Farm Management;Field Crops; Harvesting; *Horticulture; LearningActivities; Lesson Flans; *Marketing; Plant Growth;Plant Propagation; Postsecondary Education; SecondaryEducation; Teaching Methods; Transparencies; *TurfManagement; Units of Study; Vocational Education

IDENTIFIERS *Iowa; *Sod Production

ABSTRACTDeveloped for use by vocational agriculture teachers

in Iowa, this instructional unit provides information about thegrowing and marketing of sod for lawns. This document is one of threemanuals making up a single package. (The other two are Christmas TreeProduction and Marketing and Sod Production and Marketing). Themanual includes an instructional plan and related technicalinformation. The instructional plan features objectives, interestapproach, a listing of materials needed, and teaching procedures. Thetechnical information section provides concise information related tosod production and marketing. A reference list is included forteachers wishing additional information on the topic. Transparencymasters and activity sheets are provided and coded to the unit. Alist of 10 slides for use with the instructional materials is alsoprovided. Eleven fact sheets from the Iowa Cooperative ExtensionService discuss various aspects of turfgrass care. (KC)

***********************************************************************Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made

from the original document.***********************************************************************

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Poo;01 .)" '"

Sod ProductionandMarketing

Instructional MaterialsDeveloped forIowa Vocational Agriculture Teachers

Prepared by:

Departments of Horticulture andAgricultural EducationIowa State UniversityAmel, Iowa 50011June 1986

This Curriculum Development Project was funded by:

State of IowaDepartment of Public InstructionCareer Education DivisionGrimes State Office BuildingDes Moines, Iowa 50319

© 1986 Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.

BEST COPY AVAILABLE

2

U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOnce of Educational Research and Improvement

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER (ERIC)

(I''This document has been reproduced asreceived from the person or organizationonginatirg d

O Minor changes have been made to improvereproduction duality

Points of view or opinions steted in this docu-ment do not necessarily represent officialOERI position or policy

"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THISMATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY

T THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)."

Agriculture Diversification and Marketing Series

Date Available1. Agriculture Diversification and Marketing 19862. Fruit and Vegetable Production and Marketing

Book 1: Raspberry, strawberry, cole crops, potato, sweet corn, 1985tomato, vine crops, and marketing. Fruit and vegetableproduction and marketing.

3. Book II: Apples, grapes; asparagus; bulb and root crops; 1986lettuce; rhubarb; snap beans; grading, exhibiting andjudging fruits and vegetables.

4. Christmas Tree and Wood As Energy Production and Marketing 19865. Sod Production and Marketing 1986

For information regarding availability of these materials, contact:

Iowa Curriculum Assistance System

College of EducationN008 LagomarcinoIowa State UniversityAmes, Iowa 50011(515) 294-8919

3

PROJECT FUNDING

Funding for the development of these instructionalmaterials came from the Iowa Department of PublicInstruction through a grant to Iowa StateUniversity.

State of IowaDepartment of Public InstructionCareer Education DivisionGrimes State Office BuildingDes Moines, Iowa 50319-0146

STATE BOARD OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Lucas J. DeKoster, President, HullDianne L. D. Pace, Vice-President, GarnerBetty L. Dexter, DavenportThomas M. Glenn, Des MoinesKaren W. Goodenow, Wall LakeFrancis N. Kenkel, DefianceJohn Moats, Council BluffsMary E. Robinson, Cedar RapidsHarlan W. Van Gerpen, Cedar Falls

ADMINISTRATION

Robert D. Benton, Commissioner, and ExecutiveOfficer of the State Board of Public InstructionDavid H. Bechtel, Administrative AssistantJames E. Mitchell, Deputy Commissioner

Area Schools and Career Education BranchWilliam M. Baley, Associate Superintendent

Career Education DivisionJim Athen, Director

Instructional Services SectionRonald Jarchow, ChiefJerry Lamers, ConsultantRoger Foelske, SupervisorAlan O'Neal, ConsultantWayne Nattress, Consultant

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Appreciation is expressed to the followingindividuals for their contribution to tha develop-ment of these instructional materials.

The Project and Writing Staff:Dr. Charles V. Hall, Department of Horticul-ture, Iowa State UniversityDr. Michael L. Agnew, Department of Horticul-ture, Iowa State UniversityDr. Nick E. Christians, Department ofHorticulture, Iowa State UniversityDr. Gail R. Nonnecke, Department of Horticul-ture, Iowa State UniversityDr. David L. Williams, Department of Agricul-tural Education, Iowa State UniversitySusan L. Flanigan, Department of AgriculturalEducation, Iowa State University

Advisory Committee:Wayne Nattress, State of Iowa, Department ofPublic InstructionDr. Julia A. Gamon, Department of Agricultur-al Education, Iowa State UniversityMichael Loan, Sod Producer, Cedar Rapids, IowaHarold Woodard, Vocational Agriculture Instructor,Hartley, IowaMick Kreidler, State of Iowa, Department ofAgriculture

Artwork:

Jane M. Lenahan, Media Graphics, Iowa StateUniversity

Publication/Printing:Kenneth E. Burditt, Publications, Iowa StateUniversity

4

Forward

The growing of grass has been practiced by

home-owners for many years; but in recent times,

the demand for sod to create instant lawns for

homes and commercial complexes has increased.

This situation provides an opportunity for some

people to become involved in the sod production

business. Such developments provide an opportuni-

ty and a challenge for schools to include instruc-

tion on sod production and marketing in their

vocational agriculture programs.

These instructional materials were developed

for use by vocational agriculture teachers. They

include an instructional plan and related techni-

cal information. The instructional plan features

objectives, interest approach, a listing of

materials needed and teaching procedures. The

technical information section provides concise

information related to sod production and market-

ing. A reference list is included for teachers

wishing additional information on the topic.

Visual masters (VM) and activity sheets (ACT) are

coded with letters so they can be identified with

this unit.

Slides illustrating various production and

marketing practices and activities are included.

The slides are not referenced in the materials.

Instructors could use the slides to introduce the

instructional area, to show a specific cropping

practice or marketing activity, or review the

topic.

Classroom/laboratory instruction on produc-

tion and marketing of sod can be expanded for

vocational agriculture students through leadership

activities (FFA at the secondary school or PAS at

the post-secondary school) and supervised occupa-

tional experience (SOE) programs. Involvement of

students in contests, proficiency awards, and

other leadership activities related to sod

production and marketing can create student

interest and enhance learning. The production of

sod on a land laboratory, plots of land in the

community, or land at students' homes may be

appropriate SOE programs

Marketing of sod may be a

for a group of students.

extend

for some students.

cooperative activity

Some students may

their learning by working on a sod farm or

in a related business.

Charles V. Hall, Head

Department of Horticulture

Iowa State University

David L. Williams, Head

Department of Agricultural Education

Iowa State University

5

Objectives1. Identify the structures of the Kentucky

Bluegrass plant.

2. List the steps involved in preparing soil fora new scd field.

3. Select good quality grass seed to be used forsod production.

4. Discuss the procedures used in proper seedingof the sod field.

5. Design a fertilizer program that promotes theproduction of quality sod.

6. Discuss the pro"^" mowing techniques thatencourage root f owth.

7. Describe the process of harvesting sod toinsure a quality product for marketing.

8. Demonstrate the three phases of installingsod.

Materials NeededOne flat of bluegrass or 6 inch square sod fromlawn.

One flat of ryegrass or 6 inch square sod fromlawn.

One flat of tall fescue or 6 in square sod fromlawn.

Visual MastersVM-SOD-1 Rhizomatous grassVM-SOD-2 Stolonifercus grassVM-SOD-3 Bunch-type grassVM-SOD-4 Kentucky bluegrassVM -SOD -5 Top view of Kentucky bluegrass with

daughter plantsVM-SOD-6 Seed labelVM-SOD-7 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars recommend-

ed for sod production in IowaVM-SOD-8 Higher mowing heights favor roots and

rhizomesVM-SOD-9 Mow to remove no more than 30-40% in a

single mowingVM-SOD-10 Rotary and reel type mowersVM-SOD-11 Harvesting sodVM-SOD-12 Lightly moisten soil before sod is laidVM-SOD-13 Laying sodVM-SOD-14 Sod rolls should be laid perpendicular

to slope and staggered in a brick-likepattern

VM-SOD-15 Staking may be required on slopes of10% or greater

VM-SOD-16 Roll to insure good contact between sodand soil

ActivitiesACT-SOD-1 Getting to know your sodACT-SOD-2 Consumer awarenessACT-SOD-3 Content analysisACT-SOD-4 Planting depth experimentACT-SOD-5 Keep your grass greenACT-SOD-6 Marketing sodACT-SOD-7 Sod installationACT-SOD-8 Sod placement

Interest Approach1. Plant separate flats of Kentucky bluegrass,

ryegrass and tall fescue several weeks inadvance. A sample of each can also be dugfrom most lawns.

2. On a table or desk, place the three grassspecies.

3. Tell the students to identify the grasses andlist the visible differences.

4. Begin a discussion on grass identification andadaption ranges. Topics to cover couldinclude: species, cultivars, ligules,collars, wear resistance, recuperativeability, shade tolerance, and maintenancerequirements.

Prepared by Nick E. Christians, Michael L Agnew, andGail R. Nonnecke, Department of Horticulture; andSusan L Flanigan, Department of Agricultural Education.

Iowa State UniversityAmes, Iowa 50011

Teaching Procedures

1 Use VM-SOD-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the samplefrom the interest approach to identify thestructure of the Kentucky bluegrass plant.Explain the spreading growth habit, whichallows for a tight-knit sod. To insure anunderstanding of the morphology, havestudents complete ACT-SOD-1 "Getting to KnowYour Sod."

2. Discuss the steps involved in preparing soilfor a new sod field. The steps that shouldbe emphasized are tilling, smoothing,leveling and fertilizing.

3. Use VM-SOD-6 to discuss the contents of grassseed packages, as well as the selection ofgood quality grass seed. Have studentscomplete ACT -SOD -2 "Consumer Awareness" and 3"Content hnalysis."

4 Use VM-SOD-7 to introduce the Kentuckybluegrass cultivars suggested for and produc-tion in Iowa. Blends of two to four culti-vars are recommended, to assure diversity inthe turf.

5. Plan a trip to a local lawn care center orequipment sales operation to examine thevarious types of equipment used in seeding.Ask a salesperson to explain the advantagesand disadvantages of each.

6. Discuss the proper procedures that need to befollowed when planting grass seed. Hand outACT-SOD-4 "Planting Depth Experiment." Thisactivity can be done as a class or smallgroup projects, depending on the equipmentyou have available. (Note: ryegrass is usedbecause of its quick emergence (3-6 days),bluegrass takes 10-21 days).

7. Explain the importance of maintaining acarefully controlled fertilizer program.Once the grass has emerged, nitrogen becomesthe most important fertilizer element Havestudents complete ACT-SOD-5 "Keep Your GrassGreen."

8. Use VM-SOD-8 to illustrate the effects ofmowing height on root and rhizome growth.Using VM-SOD-9, discuss the proper mowingmethod to insure quality sod production. UseVM-SOD-10 to explain the different types ofmowers and have students brainstorm to listhe advantages and disadvantages of each.

9. Introduce the topic of harvesting sod withVM-SOD-11. Discuss proper cutting depth,transporting, and the length of time sod canbe held in stacks. Have students completeACT-SOD-6 "Marketing Sod."

10. Explain the steps in preparing the sitewhich include: soil testing, cultivatingand grading. Lead a discussion on sodinstallation using VM-SOD-12 and 13. UseVM-SOD-14 and 15 to illustrate the properplacement of sod rolls and stakes. UsingVM-SOD-16, emphasize the importance of good

contact between sod and soil. Have studentscomplete ACT-SOD-7 "Sod Installation" andACT-SOD-8 "Sod Placement".

Extra Suggested Activities1. Seed the school athletic field a.i/or school

grounds.

2. Care for school athletic fields and/or schoolgrounds.

3. Develop FFA chapter project, Young Farmeractivities or SOE projects involving sodproduction.

4. Invite a commercial sod producer to be aguest speaker. Discuss the day-to-day acti-vities and decisions that are involved in

growing sod.

5. Develop a small demonstration plot, comparinggood quality seed to cheaper poor qualityseed.

6. Sponsor a workshop for the community onproper lawn care maintenance.

7. Overhaul lawn mowers as a community serviceproject or fundraiser.

8. Keep school lawn mowers in top workingcondition.

9. Take a field trip to a local golf course andhave the greenskeeper discuss his/her respon-sibilities.

10. Conduct a lawn mower safety awareness programfor the school.

11. Construct a lawn mower safety display for alocal store front window.

Suggested References1. American Sod Producers Association. Guide-

lines to Sod Specifications. 4415 W.

Harrison St., Hillside, IL 60162.

2. Beard, J. B. 1979. Turfgrass: Science andCulture. Prentice Hall, Route 9W, EnglewoodCliffs, NJ 07632.

3. Beard, J. B., H. J. Beard, and D. P Martin(eds.). 1977. Turfgrass Bibliography from1672-1972. Michigan State University Press,East Lansing, MI 48824.

4. Beard, J. B., J. M. Dipaola, D. Johns, Jr.,and K. J. Karnok. 1979. Introduction toTurfgrass Science and Culture, LaboratoryExercises. Burgess Publishing Co., 7100 OhmsLane, Edina, MN 55435.

5. Grounds Maintenance. Kathy Copley, Editor;P.O. Box 12940, 9221 Quivers Rd., OverlandPark, KS 66215.

7

6. Iowa State University, Cooperative ExtensionService. Turfgrass, Lawncare and SodExtension: Bulletins.

Pm 491 - Sodding a new lawn.Pm 93 - Lawn weed control.Pm 1039 - Sod production in Iowa.Pm 1040 - Turfgrass care for athletic fields.Pm 1053 - Renovation of lawns damaged by

fusarium blight.Pm 1055 - Turfgrass renovation.Pm 1057 - Maintenance fertilization of

turfgrasses.Pm 1063 - Turfgrass management calendar:

Kentucky bluegrass lawns.Pm 1067 - Which grass is best for your lawn?Pm 1072 - Establishing a lawn from seed.Pm 1113 - Calibration and maintenance of a

fertilizer spreader and lawn areacalculation.

Pm 1127 - Thatch control is the home lawn.Pm 1213 - Mowing your lawn.

Write to: Publications Distribution, IowaState University, Ames, IA 50011.

7. Turf News: A Publication of the American SodProducers Assoc. 4415 West Harrison St.,Hillside, IL 60162.

8. Turgeon, A. J. and F. Giles. 1980. Turf-grass Management. Reston Publishing Co.,Inc., Reston, VA 22090.

9. Weeds, Trees and Turf. Bruce F. Shank,editor; 757 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017.

For More Information Contact:

of sod, but the art of producing a quality sodcrop can only be learned through experience andtraining.

ClassificationRhizomatous and stoloniferous grasses are the

only species that can be used for sod production(see VM-SOD-1 and VM-SOD-2). Bunch-type grassessuch as ryegrass will not form a sod that can beharvested (see VM-SOD-3).

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is theonly grass species with desirable sod characteris-tics that will grow well in Iowa and is the onlyspecies recommended for sod production in Iowa.Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) couldpotentially be produced with sod netting, but thisrequires very specialized equipment and techniquesand should not be attempted without expert help.Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris), thespecies used on golf course greens, could also beproduced; however the market is very limited.

MorphologyKentucky bluegrass can be identified by its

boat-shaped leaf tip that resembles the keel of aboat, by the folded configuration of its newlyemerging leaves, and by parallel translucent linesalong the midrib of mature leaves. The rhizomes,(underground stels), of Kentucky bluegrass give itthe spreading growth habit and allows it to form atight-knit sod (see VM-SOD-4 and VM-SOD-5).

American Sod Producers Association, 4415 W. Planting EstablishmentHarrison St., Hillside, IL 60162.

Technical InformationIntroduction

In the production of sod, a mature grasscover is produced in an intensively managedagricultural operation and is removed intact, witha minimum amount of soil, to another locationwhere it is transplanted to form an instant turfcover. The primary market for sod is the housingindustry and the greatest demand for the productis in metropolitan areas. Shipping is expensiveand proximity to a ready market is important. Thedemand for sod can vary greatly depending onactivity in the housing industry and ov rproduc-tion can be a serioua problem for producers. Thelocal market should be researched carefully beforesod production is begun. However, where a readymarket exists, sod production can be a profitablebusiness or a profitable addition to an existingfarming operation.

The production of a sod crop requiresspecialized equipment and a firm knowledge ofproduction techniques. The goal of sod prcductionis to grow good quality sod in the shortestpossible time. Good quality means a dense,uniform turf with dark green color and sufficientroot and rhizome structure to hold together duringcutting and transplanting. The following unitwill provide basic information on the production

The best time to establish a sod field incentral Iowa is between August 15 and September15. In southern Iowa, satisfactory results may beobtained as late as September 30. In northernIowa, September 15 may be too late in some years.Seeding can take place in spring or summer, butirrigation is generally required for seeding atthese times.

Soil PreparationPreparation of a new sod field should always

begin with a soil test. Soil testing determinesif phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are present insufficient quantities for the production of sodand it also will determine if lime is needed. IfP and K are low, or if lime is required, thesematerials should be incorporated into the seedbedat the rate recommended by the soil testinglaboratory before seeding. Lime is particularlydifficult to add after the turf is established,and should be added during soil preparation.

Tilling is the first step in soil prepara-tion. This can be done by plowing the area andthen disking, or by rototilling with a tractor-mounted tiller. The bed should be tilled 4 to 6inches deep. Next, tne area should be smoothedwith a harrow, a drag, or some other land-levelingdevice. The goal is a level, firm seedbed. Heavyrollers should not be used during soil prepara-tion. Rolling may compact the soil excessively

8

and lead to compaction problems later.Phosphorus is the most important fertilizer

element at the time of establishment. It isrecommended that a starter fertilizer, one with ahigh level of phosphorus and a moderate level ofnitrogen, be applied directly to the soil surfaceat the time of seeding. This should be done evenif the soil test level of phosphorus is in thehigh range.

Materials with an N-P205-K20 analysis of13-25-6, 18-46-0, or 15-26-6 are well suited forthis purpose. They should be applied at a rateequal to approximately 45 lb P205/A. With the13-25-6 material, which is 25 percent P.20

5'180 lb

of fertilizer would have to be applies/acre toachieve this rate.

SeedOnly good quality Kentucky bluegrass seed

should be used for sod production. There are manyloopholes in the laws which govern the labeling ofgrass seed. As a consequence, there is grass seedon the market of inferior quality that is notsuitable for sod production. Buy from a reputableseed dealer. Bargains are very rare in theturfgrass seed industry and consumers generally"get what they pay for". Always read the seedlabel carefully before buying any seed (seeVM-SOD-6)

CuttivarsThere are many cultivars of Kentucky blue-

grass available. The cultivars chosen can be avery important factor in the final quality of thestand. Iowa State University recommends that ablend of from two to four cultivars be used insod production. Blends assure diversity in theturf. Some cultivars show tolerance to certaindiseases and environmental conditions, whereasothers show tolerance to different diseases anddifferent coneitions. If such diversity ispresent, it is unlikely that a single disease orstress will eleminate the entire stand. Cultivarsrecommended for sod production in Iowa are listedon VM-SOD-7 This is not a complete list, and itis sure to change as research continues. But itdoes contain many of the Kentucky bluegrasscultivars that have performed well in the Midwestover the past few years.

Seeding rates vary somewhat with time ofseeding and soil type. Recommended seeding ratesof Kentucky bluegrass for sod production in Iowarange from 30 to 45 lb/acre. Seeding rates inexcess of 45 lb/acre rarely result in improved sodproduction. On a fertile soil that is to beseeded in late summer or early fall, the lowerrate should be sufficient. If the field is to beseeded in the spring, or if the soil is sandy, thehigher rate should be used. These are generalguidelines. The best seeding rate for a givenarea should be based on the experience of thegrower.

The seed can be applied with many differenttypes of equipment. Drop spreaders and rotaryspreaders are the most common types, but evenairplanes have been used to apply seed to sodfields. After the seed has been applied, acultipacker should be used to assure seed-soilcontact. Machines which combine a drop seeder and

a cultipacYer in one unit are commerciallyavailable. They are very effective and recommend-ed for large sod operations.

Uniformity of seed application is of theutmost importance. The most uniform applicationcan be obtained by dividing the required amount ofseed in half. Spread one-half of the seed in onedirection over the field, a^d then spread theother half at right angles to the first applica-tion. This will help eliminate the problems ofoverlapping and of bare areas that often occurwith seeding in a single application.

IrrigationIrrigation is not required for sod production

in Iowa and many sod farms produce sod withoutsupplemental irrigation. Irrigation usually helpsdecrease the time involved in sod production.Eleven to 24 months are generally requiredto produce a mature Kentucky bluegrass sod inIowa. In a year with above average rainfall, sodcould be seeded in September and harvested thefollowing August without additional irrigation.Usually, however; two seasons are required withoutirrigation. With irrigation, sod can be harvestedregularly in 11 to 12 months.

FertilizationIt is well known in turfgrass science that

excessive quantities of nitrogen fertilizer favorshoot growth at the expense of root growth. A

carefully controlled fertilizer program is veryimportant in the production of quality sod. A

heavily fertilized sod field may look good on thesurface, but may have a very poor root and rhizomesystem underground. Excessive fertilization notonly increases the cost of production throughincreased fertilizer cost, but also may increasethe time required to produce a sod that can beharvested. Table 1 contains a recommendedfertilization program for sod production in Iowa.The program begins at the time of seeding andextends through the first production year.

Table 1. Recommended fertilization program forsod production in Iowa.

Time Ratelb /Acre

at seeding

1-1 1/2 inch heightApril-early Mayearly June3 weeks prior to harvestSeptember (for sod notharvested)

45 lb P,O, and

20-30 lb g25-30 lb N25-30 lb N25-30 lb N30-35 lb N

45 lb N

Fertilization at the time of seeding has beenpreviously discussed in "Soil Preparation'. After

the grass has emerged, nitrogen becomes the mostimportant fertilizer element. Whether to use P

and K in the fertilizer program depends on thesoil test. In many cases, nitrogen fertilizerwithout additional P and K is sufficient.

When the grass reaches a height of 1 to 1 1/2inches, apply 25 to 30 lb N/acre. This should besufficient fertilizer to carry grasses seeded inlate summer through the fall season. Fertiliza-tion should provide sufficient nitrogen to keepthe grass growing without overstimulating above-ground growth. The program in Table 1 is designedto do this. The 25 to 30 lb N/acre applicationsin spring and in early June may not produce thehighest quality sod from a visual standpoint, butwill produce a sod with a strong root and rhizomesystem that will hold together at harvest.

The 30 to 35 lb of N/acre applied approxi-mately 3 weeks prior to harvest is timed toimprove the visual quality of the sod withoutadversely affecting root growth. If this applica-tion is made too close to harvest, damage duringtransport due to an increase in temperature withinthe sod stacks may occur. This is known as"heating" and can result in death of the grass.Sod which .cannot be harvested in the first season(usually the case in non-irrigated fields) shouldbe fertilized with 45 lb N/acre in September. Thesame program outlined in Table 1 should then beresumed in the following spring. Again, these aregeneral recommendations. Irrigated fields orfields with sandy soils may require slightlyhigher rates. The exact rates are a managementdecision and should be based on grower experienceand soil testing.

The Nitrogen source to use is also a decisionof the grower. Water soluble materials such asurea or ammonium nitrate will work but thre areindications that the controlled release N materi-als favor root growth.

MowingMowing, like fertilization, can be managed to

favor root growth. Excessively low mowing heightsare detrimental to root growth, whereas highermowing heights favor a healthy root system (seeVM-SOD-B). Through most of the season, the sodshould be maintained at a higher mowing height, 3to 3 1/2 inches. High mowing heights near harvesttime will add to heating, so mowing heights shouldb2 decreased slowly to approximately 2 inches byharvest. Scalping, due to abrupt decreases inmowing height, is detrimental, so the height ofcut should be reduced gradually during the weeksprior to harvest. As a rule, no more than30-40 percent of the aboveground growth of theturf should be removed in any single mowing (seeVM-SOD-9). Reel or rotary mowers can be used formowing (VM-SOD-10). Reel mowers are generallyrecommended because of the more uniform cutprovided by this type of mower. Reel mowers arealso considered to be safer to operate becausethey do not throw debris as rotary mowers do.

Weed ControlThe annual grasses, particularly crabgrass

and (oxtail, are a serious problem in Iowa sodfields. Mese species can be controlled bypreemergence herbicides applied in early spring,

seed germination. Broadleaf weeds

also present a

('nor seed

such aP dandelion and plantain

problem. These weeds are controlled by post-emergence herbicides such as 2,4-D, triclopyr,MCPP,and dicamba. The postemergence herbicidesare most effective when applied in fall, but thisis not always possible in sod production.Postemergence herbicides can be applied toKentucky bluegrass sod anytime after the thirdmowing, but be careful to avoid drift to neighbor-ing areas and avoid application when the tempera-ture is high. For more recommended uses, see theISU extension publication Pm-930, Lawn WeedControl. Always be sure to read the entire labelbefore using any pesticide.

Disease IS. Insect Control

Turfgrass disease problems are not common inIowa sod fields and the use of fungicides israrely recommended. The grower may experiencesome problems with rust diseases on Kentuckybluegrass sod, but the problem generally can beeliminated through fertilization and mowing.

Turfgrass insects are not usually a seriousproblem in Iowa sod fields, although bluegrassbillbugs and white grubs have been reported. Thepreventative use of insecticides in sod fields isnot recommended, except in areas where severeinsect infestations occur regularly.

If disease or insect problems are suspected,contact your local county extension director forinformation on identification and control.

Sod HarvestingThere are a number of sod harvesting machines

available. They range from small, walk-behindunits to large machines which can be mounted on atractor. The type and size of machine to use willvary with the size of the sod operation. If morethan one acre of sod is to be produced, it isrecommended that the machine purchased be equippedwith a vertical knife to automatically cut the sodstrips into un'"orm lengths.

A common mistake among inexperienced sodproducers is to cut sod too thick. Kentuckybluegrass sod should be cut at a depth of from 0.5to 0.75 inch (see VM-11). Cutting the sod at thisdepth severs the rhizomes. A rhizome which hasbeen cut will readily send out new roots. Sodthat is cut too thick will be excessively heavyto transport, will remove too much soil from thearea, and will not root as quickly as sod cut atthe proper depth.

The sod can be stacked for transport in rollsor in strips. The method uzed will depend to somedegree on personal preference and on the type ofcutter used. There does not appear to be anygreat advantage to using one method over another.

The length of time that sod can be held instacks before transplanting will vary withtemperature. When temperatures are very high(90 F and above), soo should be cut and trans-planted the same day. Under more moderatetemperatures, sod can usually be held safely for36 hours. Sod harvested when temperatures arecool can often be held for up to 3 days.

There are many other details, such as theproper operation of equipment, involved in thebusiness of sod production that cannot be coveredin this guide. These aspects can only be learnedthrough experience and training.

10

The primary market for sod produced in Iowais the housing industry with the larges, demand inmetropolitan areas. Proximity to a ready marketis important because shipping is expensive and sodcan be damaged if not installed promptly. Thedemand for sod can vary greatly depending onactivity in the housing and construction indus-tries. Overproduction of sod can be a seriousproblem for producers. The local market potentialshould be researend carefully before sod produc-tion is begun. However, where a ready marketexists. sod production can be a profitablebusiness or a profitable addition to an existingfarming operation.

To establish and maintain an exeellentreputation for a quality product, only sod withthe following quality characteristics should besold: uniform, dense, dark green color, goodtensile strength (to hold sod together when cut).Remember that sod should be harvested at thicknessof 0.5 to 0.75 inches.

InstallationThe installation of sod is a three phase

operation. The first phase involves the properpreparation of the site to be sodded. The secondphase is the actual installation of the sod. Thethird phase involves the care of the sod once ithas been laid.

Site PreparationThe site preparation is the most important

phase in the establishment of a lawn. Once thelawn is established, there is very little that canbe done to rectify problems with the site. Thereare two steps in the preparation of a site. Thefirst step is the preparation of the soil. Soilpreparation must first begin with the removal of11 construction debris from the site. This isthen followed by properly grading the area.Grading is done by first stockpiling all of thetopsoil and then grading the area to obtain atleast a 1 percent, and no more than 20 percent,slope away from the building. Care should betaken to prevent low areas where standing watermay collect. After the land is properly graded,the soil should be cultivated to a 6 to 8 inchdepth. This will help alleviate the compactionthat occurs during construction. The stockpiledtopsoil should now be spread back onto the site toa depth of 6 or more inches. It is a goodpractice to till 2 inches of the topsoil into theupper 2 inches of the subsoil. This will helpprevent the formation of soil layers which mayinterfere with soil water drainage. When thetopsoil is spread on the site, the area should beallowed to settle prior to establishing the finalgrade.

When the final grade has been established, asoil sample should be taken. Collect soil samplesat a depth of 3 inches from at least 15 locationsin the area. Mix the samples and send a one-halfpint sample to your county Cooperative ExtensionService or a reputable soil testing laboratory.The test reports will indicate the pH, phosphorus,

and potassium levels. It is important to incorpo-rate the recommended quantities of fertilizer to adepth of 4 to 6 inches. Where soil tests are nottaken, apply 10 to 15 pounds of 15-15-15 or 15 to20 pounds of 10-10-10 per 1,000 square feet andwork it in to a soil depth of 4 to 6 inches.

The final grade should be firm enough toprevent foot prints of more than 1/2 inch.Several rainfalls will aid in the settling of thesoil. Rake the seedbed to give a 1/4 to 1/2 inchdeep loose, granular soil.

SoclInstallationSodding is the quickest way to establish a

new lawn. It can be done almost any time of yearwhen the ground is not frozen or covered withsnow.

Just prior to laying the sod, an applicationof starter fertilizer high in phosphorus should beapplied. It is also important to lightly moistenthe soil (See VM-SOD-12). Be sure to avoidoverwatering.

Sod pieces should be laid so that the en's ofsod pieces are staggered as if you were layingbricks (see VM-SOD-13 and VM-SOD-14). Thisprevents long lines across the turf caused by slowestablishment at the edges. Care should be takento insure that the edges of the sod are in contactwith each other. Avoid overlapping the sod orstretching the sod. Overlapping creates an unevenappearance to the lawn, while gaps will commonlydevelop when stretched sod begins to dry. Onslopes, start laying the sod strips from thelowest part of the incline toward the building.On severe slopes, it may be necessary to peg thesod strips with wooden stakes to prevent slippage(See VM-SOD-111). Three, 6 to 8 inch stakes persod strip are usually adequate. One stake shouldbe placed at each end and one in the center.Stakes should be driven through the sod verticallynear the top edge of the sod :trip after At is inplace.

The newly laid sod should be rolled to removeair pockets under sod strips and to firm the sodagainst the soil as in VM-SOD-15. Use a light, 60to 75 pound roller. Too much weight may cause sodto slide. In hot weather (above 85-T), the sodshould be lightly watered prior to rolling. Thiswill help hold the sod until adequate moisture canbe applied. Thoroughly water the sod immediatelyafter rolling. Be sure that water penetrates thesod pieces and moistens tle soil to 6 to 8 inchesdeep.

Post-Installation CareThe sod will require daily afternoon watering

for the first 7 to 10 days. During warm weather,the sod may net watering twice a day. Apply

enough water each time so that the sod and the

soil remain moist and cool. Sod should beknitting to the soil in about 10 to 14 days. Atthis point, deeper, less frequent watering shouldbe practiced to encourage a deeper, healthy rootsystem. Do not overwater new sod. Sod that iskept saturated will not root properly.

After laying sod, mowing should begin whenthe grass starts to grow. The recommended mowingheight for bluegrass sod is 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 inches

during cool weather and 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches

during summer stress periods. L'ur best results,never cut more than 30% to 40% of the exposedgrowth at any one mowing (VM-SOD-9).

Once the sod is rooted, follow a fertiliza-tion program suggested for established lawns.Generally, four fertilizer applications per yearare suggested for higher quality lawns. Foradditional information on lawn care, see the IowaState University Cooperative Extension publica-tions and others listed under suggested refer-ences.

The :owe Turfgrass Producers and Contractorsis an organization composed primarily of personsinterested in some aspect of sod production ormarketing. If you are involved in the sodbusiness or are considering the sod business, youmay want to join. More information about thisorganization can be obtained from your localcounty extension office or from the horticultureextension office at Iowa State University.

Clos.sary Terms forTedmical Information

Bunch -Grass - Grass that does not spread byrhizomes or stolons.

Cultivar - (Derived from "cultivatedvariety"). International term denotingcultivated plants that are clearly distin-guishable from others by any characteristicand that when reproduced (sexually orasexually) retain their distinguishingcharacters. Cultivar is synonomous withvariety.

Rhizome - an underground stem, usually positionedhorizontally. Distinguished from a root bythe presence of nodes and internoden.Capable of producing new shoots.

Stolon - A horizontal shoot that is above-ground;roots and Produces new plants (daughterplants) at e, h node.

Notes:

12

Visual Masters

13

14

StoloniferousGrass

15

Kentucky Bluegrass

Daughter plants

18

Mother plant

Mother plant

I-A 12"

Daughter plants

Top view of Kentucky Bluegrasswith daughter plants

a9

Seed Mixture Analysis

Fine Textured Grasses Germ3235% Ade 1phi Kentucky bluegrass 96%33.70% Majestic Kentucky bluegrass 96%31.85% Parade Kentucky bluegrass 94%

Other Ingredients0.05% Weed seed2.05% Inert matter0.00% Other crop seed

No Noxious Weeds

Tested 5/8625# Net wt

/1X, Y, Z Seed Co.Anywhere, Iowa

20

VM-SOD-7

Kentucky bluegrass cultivars recommendedfor sod production in Iowa.

Adelphi GladeAquila Majestic

MeritMidnight

Baron ParadeBensun (A-34) Ram-I

RugbyBonnieblue TouchdownBristol Victa

CheriEclipse

Prepared by Dr. Nick Christians, Department of Horticulture, IowaState University, Ames, Iowa 50011.

21.

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Activities

35

ACT-SOD-1

Getting To Know Your Sod

Label the parts of the grass plant. Indicate whether thegrass is bunch, rhizomatous or stoloniferous

3.36

Consumer Awareness

ACTSOD--2

Your neighbors have just completed building a new house and would likefor you to establish a healthy lawn. You have already selected the type ofgrass to plant, now you are ready to purchase quality seed. To get thebest quality seed at a low cost is our goal. Calculate and compare thepercentage of pure live seed and the actual cost of pure live seed for thetwo grass seed labels below. Indicate which one would be a better buy.

% pure live seed = germ % x purity % / 100cost of pure live seed- cost /pure live seed x 100

John Doe Seed CompanyAnywhere, Iowa

Lot No. 786Test Date: 1/25/86 $3.25/1bGrasses Germ34.6% Ade 1phi Kentucky bluegrass 90%362% Ram I Kentucky bluegrass 90%27.1% Majestic Kentucky bluegrass 85%

Other Ingredients0.0% Crop2.1% inert Matter0.0% Weeds

No Noxious Weeds

John Doe Seed CompanyAnywhere, Iowa

Lot No. 501Test Date: 1/25/86

Grasses Germ38.1% Park Kentucky bluegrass 75%24.1% Kentucky bluegrass 70%

(variety unknown)303% Annual Ryegrass 85%

Other Ingredients1.1% Crop5.5% Inert Matter0.9% Weeds

55% Inert matter

Noxious Weeds: 885 Annual bluegrass

$2.00/1bagtoo

am.IPIt( ..111.AO.

ACTSOD-2

Answer Key

Consumer Awareness

Ycur neighbors have just completed building a new house and would likefor you to establish a healthy lawn. You have already selected the type ofgrass to plant, now you are ready to purchase quality seed. To get thebest quality seed at a low cost is our goal. Calculate and compare thepercentage of pure live seed and the actual cost of pure live seed for thetwo grass seed labels below. Indicate which one would be a better buy.

% pure live seed = germ % x purity % / 100cost of pure live seed- cost /pure live seed x 100

90% x 34.6W100=31.14

90% x 36.2%/100=32.58

85% x 27.1%/100=23.0486.76

$3.2586.76 x 100=$3.75

75% x 38.1%/100=28.6

70% x 24.1%/100=16.9

85% x 30.3%/100=25.8

71.3

$2.00/71.3 x 100=$2.80

John Doe Seed CompanyAnywhere, Iowa

Lot No. 786Test Date: 125/86

Grasses34.6% Ade 1phi Kentucky bluegrass362% Ram I Kentucky bluegrass27.1% Majestic Kentucky bluegrass

Other Ingredients0.0% Crop2.1% Inert Matter0.0% Weeds

No Noxious Weeds

John Doe Seed CompanyAnywhere, Iowa

Lot No. 501Test Date: 1/25/86

$3.25/1bGerm90%90%85%

Grasses38.1% Park Kentucky biuegrass24.1% Kentucky bluegrass

(variety unknown)303% Annual Ryegrass

Other Ingredients1.1% Crop5.5% Inert Matter0.9% Weeds

$2.00/1bGerm75%70%

85%

5.5% Inert matter

Noxious Weeds: 885 Annual bluegrass

ACTSOD-3

Content Analysis

Reading and understanding what goes into a seed mimture will helpyou in selecting the right seed minture and making the hestinvestment for your home lawn. Answer the following questionsusing the label provided for you.

Seed Mixture Analysis

Fine Textured Grasses Germ3235% Ade 1phi Kentucky bluegrass 96%33.70% Majestic Kentucky bluegrass 96%31.85%;Parade Kentucky bluegrass 94%

Other Ingredients0.05% Weed seed2.05% Inert matter0.00% Other crop seed

No Noxious Weeds

Tested 5/8625# Net wt

X, Y, Z Seed Co.Anywhere, Iowa

What % of fldelphi Kentucky bluegrass is contained in the package?

What % germination does Parade Kentucky bluegrass have?

Define weed seed:.

Define inert matter:

Define other crop seeds:

Define nonious weeds:

What is the date it was tested?

39

ACT-SOD-4

Planting Depth Experiment

It is important to plant grass seeds at the proper soil depth. You willconduct a research experiement to determine the effects of planting depth

on ryegrass.

_planting Depth1/2"

1"

1 1/2"2"3"4"

STEPS:

f_adaysuntiLemergeuel

Expected

1. Obtain an clean glass rectangular cotainer, such as a fish aquarium, thatis at least five ;aches deep.

2. Place moist sterile soil in container on a slope.

3. Plant Rye grass at the following depths : 1/2", 1", 1 1/2", 2", 3", and4"

4. Mark the outside of the container at the appropriate dekas.

5. Cover seeds with moist soil so that the container is level.6. Place in sunlight.7. Record data daily.

Ly

.1 40, Zr

Plant_Depth

1/2"I"

1 1/2"2"

4"

SUMMARY

* of Days until emergence

Actual

1. Planting depth range for best emergence:

2. Average number of days until emergence:

41_

ACT-SOD-5

Keep your grass green

Once grass has emerged, nitrogen becomes the most important fertilizerelement. You have two sod producing fields upon which you want to apply27 lbs. of N/Acre. Calculate the pounds of nitrogen you need for each field.

Calculations 43,560 sq. ft. / acre

Step 1 : Sq. ft. = length x widthStep 2 : % of an acre = sq. ft. / 43,560Step 3 : X of an acre x 27 = pounds of nitrogen needed.

45'

70'

ACT-SOD-5

Answer Key

Keep your grass green

Once grass has emerged, nitrogen becomes the most important fertilizerelement. You have two sod producing fields upon which you want to apply27 lbs. of N/Acre. Calculate the pounds of nitrogen you need for each field.

Calculations 43,560 sq. ft. / acre

Step 1 : Sq. ft. :: length x widthStep 2 : % of an acre r: sq. ft. / 43,560Step 3 : % of an acre x 27 r: pounds of nitrogen needed.

45'

150'

45 x 70 = 31503150/43560 = 7.2%

7.2% x 27 = 1.94

I

200'I

43

150 x 200 = 30000

30000 /43560 =68.9%

68.9% x 27 = 18.6

ACT-SOD-6

Marketing Sod

Write en essay discussing the proper cutting depth, transportation,the length of time the sod can be held in stacks and the potentialmarket in our area.

ACT-SOD-6

Answer Key

Marketing Sod

Write an essay disaming the proper cutting depth, transportation,the length of time the sod car; be held in stocks and the potentialmarket in our area.

- proper cutting depth of Kentucky bluegrass sod is from 0.5-0.75 inches

- sod can be stacked for transport in rolls or in strips

- length of time sod can be held in stacks depends on the temperature

- primary market is the housing Industry

ACT-SOD-7

Sod Installation

Installing sod is a three phase process. If you were asked to install sod onyour school football field, what three steps would you go through. Write asummary that lists the steps with a description of the process done ineach.

ACT -SOD- 7

Answer Key

Sod Installation

Installing sod is a three phase process. If you were asked to install sod onyour school football field, what three steps would you go Through. Write asummary that lists the steps with a description of the process done ineach.

1. Site Preparation:

Prepare soilSoil test

2. Installation of the sod:Lightly moisten soilSod rolls should be laid perpendicular to slope and staggeredStaking may be requir-d on slopes of 10% or greaterRoll to insure good cortact between sod and soil

3. Post installation care:Water daily for first 7 daysMow sod when grass begins to growFollow fertilzation program

47

ACT SOD-8

Sod Placement

Drew the pattern of newly Installed sod on a lawn that has a slope ofless then 10%.

Draw the pattern and placement of stakes for newly Installed sod on alawn that has a slope of greater then 10%.

48

ACT-SOD- 8

Answer Key

Sod Placement

Drew the pattern of newly instailed sod on a lawn that has a slope ofless then 10%.

Consult VM-SOD-14

Drew the pattern and placement of stakes for newly installed sod on alawn that has a slope of greeter then 10%.

Consult VM-SOD-15

Slide Description

Sod Production

1. Sod field 6 weeks after seeding.

2. Mature sod field.

3. Properly fertilized, high quality Kentucky bluegrass sod.

4. Sod field showing area that has been harvested.

5. Cut the sod at a depth of from 0.5 to 0.75 inches.

6. Troctor mounted sod harve3ting machine.

7. Fork lift for loading sod pellets mounted on the back of a truck.8. Laying sod.

9. Sod staked on a hillside.

10. Sod allowed to dry after it was laid.

Sides provided by Faculty of Department of Horticulture,

Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

111PAIrti*gig

111*W

horticulture guide

Turfgrass care for athletic fieldsAthletic fields are among the most difficult turfgrassareas to manage. In spite of very heavy wear, they mustbe kept smooth and uniform for play and bemaintained in an aesthetically pleasing condition.

This guide answers some of the questions commonlyasked by groundskeepers in Iowa. It includes informa-tion on grass species and cultivars that arerecommended for athletic fields in the state, as well asinformation on establishment, fertilization, and generalmanagement practices.

Seed or sod?Either sod or seed can be used in establishment ofathletic fields. If the area is to be sodded, the soil onthat the sod is grown thould be compatible with thesoil in the field. If the sod was grown on a high organic"muck" soil and the field is a clay loam, it is unlikelythat the sod will root well. During the season, the sodmay tear away easily and ruin the field. Such fieldconditions can also result in player injuries. Onintensely managed athletic fields, such as stadiums forprofessional football, sod is often grown off site on soilwhich exactly matches the soil on the field. Theaverage school district cannot afford this, but it is veryimportant that the sod used be grown on soil similar intexture to the soil on the field.

If the budget permits, sodding can be a very effectivemeans of establishing an athletic field, but generallyschool districts will find it necessary to establish theirfields by seed.

Which grass is best?The species to seed on an athletic field deperds onthe availability of irrigation and the location. The twobest choices for seeding Iowa athletic fields are tallfescue or a mixture of Kentucky bLegrass andperennial ryegrass. If no irrigation is available, tallfescue is the best choice. However, tali fescue isintolerant of cold winters; if the field is located north ofInterstate 80, tall fescue may not be the best selection.The best combination of seed for both irrigated andnonirrigated fields in the northern part of the state isthe bluegrass-ryegrass mixture.

Where tall fescue is used, Falcon, Kentucky 31, orRebel are recommended. It should be seeded at 8 to10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. If the bluegrass-ryegrass combination is used, combine it in a mixtureof 50 to 60 percent Kentucky bluegrass and 50 to 40percent perrennial ryegrass. This mixture should beseeded at 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Amixture of two or three of the following bluegrassesand one or two of the following ryes is currentlyrecommended:

Kentucky bluegrassAde lohi

BaronBen Sun (A-34)BonnieblueCheriGladeMajesticMidnightParadeRam IRugbyTouchdownVicta

Perennial ryegrassCitationDerbyDiplomatManhattanNK-200PennfineRegal

Yorktown

Other cultivars can be used, but the ones listed haveperformed quite well in the Midwest. NK-200 is one ofthe more cold-tolerant ryes and is recommended fornorthern Iowa. The ryegrass cultivars that haveperformed best at the Horticulture Research Stationunder a variety of management regimes are Pennfineand Manhattan.

1.1.1,111

Prepared by Nick Christians. assistant professor of horticulture.

50

Cooperative Extension Service

ES Iowa State UniversityAmes, Iowa 50011

Pm1040 I Revised I June 1984

When and how should the fieldbe established?The best time to establish an athletic field in centralIowa is between August 15 and September 30. Innorthern Iowa, fields should be established by Sep-tember 15. In southern Iowa, seeding in early Octoberwill usually establish a satisfactory cover. Establishmentin spring and summer is possible if irrigation isavaiiable. However, seedings in spring and summermay become infested with annual weeds, and failuresof spli..g and summer seedings are common. If springseeding is planned, contact the local county extensionoffice for specific recommendations on seeding ratesand herbicide recommendations.

A soil test should always precede the establishment ofan athletic field. "Build-up" applications of phosphorusor potassium and any required lime should be appliedand worked in during the tilling operation.

Fertilization is very important at seeding. Starterfertilizers are available commercially for lawns. Instruc-tions for their use are printed on the bag. If anagricultural grade fertilizer is used, choose one high inphosphorus, such as 18-46-0 or 13-25-12. Properfertilization at the time of establishment shculd includeapproximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of P20, and 0.5 to 0.75pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. The starterfertilizer should be applied on the surface with theseed. Additional fertilizer at the rate of 1/2 pound ofnitrogen per 1,000 square feet should be applied to thearea after 3 to 4 weeks, when the grasses are 1 to 11/2inches tall. See Pm-1072. Establishing a Lawn fromSeed, for more information on seeding.

Watering is usually necessary at the time of establish-ment. Crass seedlings are very susceptible todesiccation, and the surface of a newly seeded grassarea should not be allowed to dry. If an area thatcannot be watered is to be established, the site shouldbe mulched with straw. Evenly spreading 1 to 11,2 balesof straw per 1,000 square feet should be sufficient.

How should the established fieldbe fertilized?Insufficient maintenance fertilization is one of the mostcommon problems with athletic fields in Iowa. Athleticfields must be fertilized or. a regular basis with theproper amounts of nutrients if they are to bemaintained in a playable condition. Nitrogen (N) is the

most important of the fertilizer elements for turfgrassareas, but potassium (K) can also play an importantrole, particularly on areas that receive a lot of traffic. Afertilizer that has a high analysis of N and a moderatelyhigh analysis of K should be chosen, 10-5-5, 20-5-10,30-5-15, or some similar analysis will be fine. IowaState University currently recommends that this main-tenance fertilizer be applied at the following rates andtimes for the bluegrass-ryegrass fields:

1/2 pound N/1,000 square feet in April1/2 pound N/1,000 square feet in May1/2 pound N/1,000 square feet in June1 pound N/1,000 square feet in late August1 pound N/1,000 square feet in late September

The three applications in spring of 1/2 pound N eachcan be combined into two 14 p, and N applications,one in April and one in May; but do not exceed 11/2pounds total N per 1,000 square feet in spring.

Fertilization of tall fescue fields should be based on thefollowing program:

3./4 pound N /1,000 square feet in late April or early May1 pound N/1,000 square feet in late August1 pound N/1,000 square feet in lair SeptemberSee Pm-1057, Maintenance Fertilization ofTurfgrasses, for more information.

What about aerification?Compaction is also a major proble-n that often affectsathletic fields. Aerification, the process of loosening thesoil mechanically without seriously disrupting theuniformity of the turf, will likely become necessaryduring the playing season, and every school districtshould own, or have access to, an aerification unit.Aerification in two directions every 2 or 3 weeks duringthe growing season is adequ te. Spring aerificationinvites weed problems and should be followed with apreemergence herbicide application. Once pre-ernergence herbicides have been applied. no furtheraerification should take place untii after annual weedshave completed germination. Aerification during tem-perature stress periods in mid-summer may directlydamage the field and should be avoided unless thefield can be irrigated. See Pm-1127, Thatch Control inthe Home Lawn, for more information.

51

Overseeding, the process of applying seed directly overa mature stand of turf, often becomes necessary onathletic fields. This is especially true on tall fescuefields. Tall fescue is a bunch-type grass and anydamaged areas will require annual overseeding.

If aerification is to be combined with overseeding, sixto eight passes in different directions are recom-mended. The seed should then be applied and a dragmat, or a section of chain link fence, should be usedto drag the seed into the aerification holes. Ifoverseeding and aerification are to take place in thespring, contact the local extension office for herbiciderecommendations.

How should the field be mowed?The condition of the roots and rhizomes is closelyrelated to the mowing height. The lower the mowingheight, the weaker the root system will be and viceversa. The field should be maintained at a highmowing height during spring and summer if it is notbeing wed for play; 21/2 to 3 inches for Kentuckybluegras>perennial ryegrass mixtures, 3 to 31/2 inchesfor tall fescue. During the playing season, thebluegrass - ryegrass field can be maintained at r., to 2inches. Tall fescue fields should not be mowed lowerthan 21/2 inches.

What about weed, insect, anddisease control?Annua: grasses, such as crabgrass and goosegrass,should be controlled in the spring with applications ofpreemergence herbicides. Broadleaf weeds, such asdandelions and plantain, are best controlled in the fallwith postemergence herbicides. If the field is to beused for football, try to apply the chemicals on aMonday of a week when no game is scheduled. Thiswill allow maximum time until the next scheduledgame. For a more detailed discussion of lawn weedcontrol, see ISU extension publication Pm-930, Lawntamed Control.

Insects may became a problem, particluariy in westernIowa. Preventive applications of insecticides are notrecommended unless there has been a history ofinsect damage on the field. The types of insects thatdamage athletic fields and recommended controlmeasures tor these insects vary with location. Contactthe local county extension office if insect damage issuspected.

Turfgrass diseases are unlikely to cause seriousdamage to athletic fields, and no preventive fungicideprograr are presently being recommended. Again, ifdisease problems are suspected, contact the countyextension office.

Other things to consider?Traffic control is very important. All excess traffic onthe playing surface should be avoided. This includesband practice. Coaches should be encouraged torotate practices on different sections of tne field. Wetfields will readily compact and all unnecessary trafficshould be kept from the area after a rain.

There are many other aspects of athletic fieldmanagement that are not covered in this guide. Manyof these are a matter of common sense, and many canbe learned only through experience. However, withthese recommendations, and a little extra care. athleticfields in Iowa can be maintained in excellent playingcondition.

52

Cooperative Extension Servica. Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agnculturecooperating. Robert L. Crom. directo.. ".mes. Iowa. Distnbuted infurtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

ee and justice for 13'1The Iowa Cook,ratii,.. Extensior. Service s programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state IawS and regulations onnon-discnr.dnation regarding race. color, national origin, religion, sex,age. and handicap.

53 ISUP-68

41

* f;IS

Maintenance fertilization of turfgrasseswill. II14: TG-6-82

horticulture guide

Why fertilize?There are 13 mineral nutrients known to be essential toturfgrasses. The quantity of most of these nutrientscontained in the soil is high compared with therequirements of turfgrass plants. However, the de-mands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium oftenexceed the supply in the soil. Thus, it becomesnecessary to add these elements through fertilization.

Turfgrasses require nitrogen in the largest amount ofany of the essential nutrients. For this reason, nitrogenis applied in largest amounts with fertilization. Nitrogennutrition is important to turfgrasses because it canaffect shoot growth and density, root growth, andsusceptibil.ty to damage from disease, heat, cold, anddrought.

Turfgrasses require potassium in relatively largeamounts, second only to nitrogen. Potassium influ-ences turfgrass rooting, disease susceptibility anddrought, heat, and cold hardiness.

Phosphorus is required by turfgrass plants in smalleramounts than nitrogen and potassium. Phosphorus isimportant in the establishment, rooting, maturation,and reproduction of turfgrasses.

The best means of determining the fertilizer require-ments for an area is to have the soil tested. Soil testsprovide valuable information on the phosphorus and

'ffr)".4.,%174:TV9A 4

1:Fe ,

":A ft

Fig. 1. Dollar for dollar, fertilizer does more to Improve lawns thanany other management factor. Note above the unfertilized area (left)with te area that wa

potassium requirements of a soil at a nominal cost.Many soils in Iowa have a high pH. Turfgrass grown onthese alkaline soils may show iron chlorosis, oryellovving. A soil test will indicate if an area requiresiron. Contact your county extension director for soiltesting information.

What's in a fertilizer bag?Fertilizer companies are required by law to list on afertilizer bag the amounts of elements contained in thefertilizer. This is referred to as a guaranteed analysis.Also listed on the bag is the fertilizer grade. A fertilizergrade designates the percentage of nitrogen, availablephosphate, and water soluble potash in the product. A10-6-4 grade fertilizer contains 10 percent nitrogen, 6percent available phosphate, and 4 percent watersoluble potash. Thus, a 40 pound bag of 10-6-4contains 4 pounds of nitrogen (10 percent of 40), 2.4pounds of available phosphate (6 percent of 40), and1.6 pounds of water soluble potash (4 percent of 40).

Fertilizer recommendations are often made usingfertilizer ratios. A fertilizer ratio refers to the relationshipbetween the percentages of nitrogen, phosphate, andpotash. A 16-8-8 grade fertilizer contains twice as

Fl 1, 2. Overlapping the wheels of the drop spreader will prevent the.fe tilizer skips which caused the uneven grass growth illustratedab(Ne.

Prepared by Norm Hummel, former extension turfgrass specialist;reviewed by Michael L Agnew, extension turfgrass specialist

4

Cooperative Extension ServiceES Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

Pm1057 I Reprinted I October 1985

much nitrogen as phosphate or potash. Thus, it wouldhave a 2-1-1 ratio. Grades of 10-5-5 and 20-10-10 alsohave 2-1-1 ratios. A grade of 20-5-10 would have a4-1-2 ratio. The easiest way to determine ratio is todivide each number in the grade by the smallestnumber in the grade, or by the highest whole numberdivisible into all three numbers of the grade.

A turf grade fertilizer is normally defined as a completefertilizer (contains nitrogen, phosphate, and potash)having an approximate 2-1-1 or 3-1-2 ratio, and havingat least 35 percent of the total nitrogen as waterinsoluble nitrogen (WIN). Water insoluble nitrogen isnot immediately available to the plant. Instead, thenitrogen is released slowly over relatively long periodsof time. Fertilizers with at least 35 percent WIN can beapplied at higher rates than farm grade fertilizers (watersoluNe nitrogen) with little risk of burning the turf. Afertilizer bag may have the following label:

20.5-10Guaranteed Analysis

Total Nitrogen8% Water Insoluble Nitrogen

Available PhosphateWater Soluble Pot

20%

5%

10%

On the label, the 20 percent represents the totalpercentage of nitrogen in the bag. The 8 percentrepresents the total percentage of nitrogen in the bagthat is water insoluble. The percentage of the totalnitrogen that is water insoluble may now be deter-mined. Divide the percent water insoluble nitrogen bythe percent total nitrogen, and multiply by 100. In thiscase 8% 4-20% x 100, or 40 percent of the totalnitrogen is water insoluble. The fertilizer contains morethan 35 percent WIN so it is considered a turf gradefertilize!:

What types of fertiliser are available?The ideal fertilizer program provides uniform growththroughout the growing season. The development of asound fertility program based on the source ofnitrogen is important in moving toward this ideal.Nitrogen sources are divided into two broad groupsquickly available (water soluble) and sic,. release.

Quickly available nitrogen sources include urea, am-monium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, diammoniumphosphate, and others. These materials are watersoluble, and the nitrogen is immediately available forplant uptake. Fertilization with soluble nitrogen sourcesresults in a flush of growth and rapid depletion ofavailable nitrogen. Thus, it is necessary to makeseveral light applications of these materials to obtainuniform growth over a long period of time. Solublenitrogen sources are less expensive per pound ofnitrogen than the slow-release fertilizers.

Slow-release fertilizers include natural organics, syn-thetic organics, or coated nitrogen materials. Therelease of nitrogen from these inaterials may be due tomicrobial decomposition alone, or in combination withchemical and physical processes. Since the activity ofmicroorganisms is dependent on soil temperature andmoisture, nitrogen availability from slow-release fertil-izers will vary with the time of the year and weather.

Natural organic fertilizers include activated sewagesludges, manures, animal tankage, and others. Thesematerials are more expensive per unit of nitrogen thanother nitrogen sources, and they have a low nitrogenanalysis. Since the release of nitrogen is due tomicrobial decomposition, nitrogen availability is low incool or dry months.

Ureaform is a generic name for fertilizers containingseveral compounds that are the product of reactingurea with formaldehyde. These compounds havedifferent solubilities and their resistance to microbialdecomposition varies. Therefore, a small amount ofnitrogen is being released over a relatively long periodof time.

IBM (isobutylidene diurea) is a syntheticsource that is dependent on hydrolysis to rele .senitrogen. Since the release of nitrogen from IBDU isnot totally dependent on microbial activity, IBDU hasan advantage of releasing nitrogen during periods ofcool weather, provided that moisture is adequate.

Sulfur-coated urea is an example of a slow - releasefertilizer made `)y coating a soluble nitrogen materialwith an impermeable coatsulfur. The rate of nitrogenrelease from sulfur-coated urea changes as coatingthickness varies. Sulfur-coated urea will release nitro-gen uniformly during periods of cool or warm weather.

55

Many fertilizers contain both slow-release and solublenitrogen in the same formulation. Such fertilizers wouldhave the advantage of containing quickly availablenitrogen, as well as the long-term benefits of slow-release nitrogen.

how much fertilizer shouldbe applied?Again it must be emphasized that a soil test todetermine fertilizer requirements is the best guide forproper fertilization. When a soil test is not used, apply afertilizer with an approximate 44-2 ratio or a straightnitrogen carrier at a rate of 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogenper 1,000 square feet per season. Lower rates arerecommended for spring to avoid over-stimulation ofthe grass. Over-stimulation of grass may result inincreased ocurrence of Helminthosporium leafspotdamage. It will also deplete stored food reserves,mak;ng the grass more susceptible to heat anddrought stress.

When a farm grade (soluble nitrogen) fertilizer is used,apply at a rate of I/2 pound of nitrogen in mid-springand again in early summer. See table 1 to determinehow much fertilizer to apply to obtain this rate ofnitrogen. In late summer and in mid-fall, fertilize at arate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet eachtime.

If a fertilizer contains at least 3'..3 percent of the nitrogenas water insoluble nitrogen, apply in late spring at arate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Inearly fall, apply again at a rate of 2 pounds of nitrogenper 1,000 sq. .re feet.

PrecautionsMost fertilizers are salts, and they will burn grass ifimproperly applied. Farm grade fertilizers will burnmore severely than fertilizers containing slow-releasenitrogen. Apply fertilizer only when the grass blades aredry, and water thoroughly immediately after application.

Table 1. Approximate pounds of material (nearest 1/2 pound) required to supply rate of nitrogenrecommended.

Pounds ofnitrogen

recommendedUrea

46-0-010-5-510-6-4 16-8-8 25-3-3

20-3-720-5-10

Naturalorganic6 %N

Ureaform38 %N

IBDU31 %N

1/2

I11/2

221/2

3

1

23*

*

*

51015202530

361/2

91/2

13151/2

19

2468

1012

21/2

571/2

10121/2

15

*

*

1733'/24250

*

5V61/2

8

*

3561/2

810

Not recommended at these rates.

56

4'l and justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Services programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon-discrimination regarding race, color, national ongin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

57

Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating. Robert L. Crom, director, Ames, Iowa. Distnbuted infurtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

Wig 101 hgrlit V TG-7-85Ce w , r hortcultre guide

Turfgrass management calendar:Kentucky bluegrass lawnsThis management calendar is a guide for maintainingturfgrass and helping to diagnose turfgrass problems.It is designed for central Iowa. Dates for southern Iowaare 1 or 2 weeks earlier, for northern Iowa about 1 or 2weeks later.

AerationAerify in mid-spring or fall if a compactionproblem exists. Use an aerifier that removes plugs ofsoil. Avoid spike-type aerifiers. Break up the cores andwork back into holes after the aerification has beencompleted. Spring aerification will require use ofpreemergence crabgrass herbicides.

Disease occurrenceSeveral diseases may infectgrass plants throughout the year. Most lawn diseasesare difficult for homeowners to identify and control.Cultural practices may help prevent damage to a lawnfrom diseases. Avoid heavy spring fertilization becausehigh nitrogen levels favor leaf spot development. Waterinfrequently and use large amounts of water. Avoidlater aftemoon or evening watering. Remove excessthatch by power raking in early spring or fall. Use offungicides should be delegated to a reputable lawncare con ipany.

FertilizationApply 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen per1,000 square feet in the spring, and 2 to 3 pounds ofnitrogen in the fall. Slow-release fertilizers containingwater insoluble nitrogen are preferred (see Pra-1057,Maintenance Fertilization of Turfgrasses). When farmgrade (water soluble) fertilizers are used, do not applymore than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet inone application.

Insect occurrenceIf a lawn has had a history ofbillbug damage, control the adult billbug in mid-Aprilto mid-May with Diazinon or Dursban used atrecommended rates. Increased skunk, bird, or moleactivity on a lawn usually indicates an insect problem,especially white grubs. Identify the irlcct and control itwith a broad-spectrum insecticide at recommendedrates.

LimingUse lime only when a soil test shows a limerequirement. Contact your county extension directorfor soil testing information.

MowingMow Kentucky bluegrass at 2 to 21/2 inchesand raise the cutting height during hot, dry weather.Mow often enough so that no more than one-third ofthe total leaf surface is removed. Clippings need not beremoved if mowing frequency is adequate. Sharpen themower blade on a regular basis. This provides acleaner cut on the grass.

SeedingLate summer to early fall is the ideal time toseed Kentucky bluegrass. Spring seedings are possibleprovided that irrigation is possible. Seed Kentuckybluegrass at a rate of 11/2 pounds of seed per 1,000square feet. See Pm-331 for more information onseeding home lawns.

Thatch removalIn early spring or fall, remove asmuch thatch as possible with a power rake. SeePm-1157 for more information on thatch control.

RenovationRenovate damaged or thin lawns inspring or early fall. See Pm-1055 for more information.

WateringKentucky bluegrass will Nithstand periods ofdrought by becoming dormant. If irrigation is begunduring a drought, it is necessary to continue to waterthroughout the duration of the drought period. Applywater infrequently, but in sufficient amounts to wet thesoil to a 6-inch depth.

Weed controlUse a preemergence herbicide such asDCPA, benefin, or bensulide for crabgrass control.Apply these materials between April 15 and May 1according to label directions. Check with your cou ,tyextension office for the dates in your area.Postemergence crabgrass herbicides must be appliedprior to crabgrass seedhead formation to be effective.

Spring .2nd fall arc: the best times to applypostemergence Oroadleaf herbicides. Fall applicationsare preferred because there is less risk of injury toornamentals, and weeds germinated during the sum-mer would be killed. See Pm-930 for more informationon lawn weed control.

File: Hort & LA 4-1

Prepared by Norm Hummel, former extension turfgrasssped:dist.Revised by Michael Agnew extension turfgrass specialist.

58

Cooperative Extension ServiceIowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

Pm-1063 Revised I April 1985

Turfgrass Management Calendarfor Kentucky bluegrass lawns

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Aeration

Disease occurrenceSnow molds

Leafspot

Dollarspot

Leafspot

Fusarium blight

Pythium blight

Stripe smut

Melting Out

Fertilization

Snow molds

Insect occurrence Control billbug adult Billbug larvae

White grubs White grubs

Sod webworm

Liming

Mowing

Seeding

Sodding

Best time

As needed

Best time

If water is available

Thatch removal

Watering As needed

Weed Control Crabgrass-preemerge Crabgrass-postemerge

Broadleaf Broadleaf

Best time

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

*Follow with preemergence crabgrass herbicide.

41a and justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Service's programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon-discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating. Robert L. Crom, director, Ames, Iowa. Distributed infurtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

ISUP-41

%

0Establishing a lawn from seed

TG-9-85

horticulture guide

The establishment of a home lawn is a task thatshould not be taken Iightly. Following proper establish-ment prpcedures and planting high quality seed arethe keys to successfully establishing a lawn.

Time of SeedingThe best time to seed a lawn in central Iowa isbetween August 15 and September 30. In northernIowa, seed should be planted by September 15, whilein southern lows, lawns can usually be seeded in earlyOctober with good rer:Its. Fall planting is preferred tospring and summer seeding because seeds germinateand grow rapidly in the warm soil. The warm days andcool nights are ideal for seedling growth and there isalso less weed compet=on in fall than in early spring.

Establishment in spring and summer is possible whenirrigation is available. However, lawns established inspring and summer may become infested with annualweeds unless preventive steps are Viten. The additionalprecaution that snould be taken with spring t ling isto use the herbicide siduron. Siduron is a member of agroup of herbicides that have the capability of killingcrabgrass and other grass weed seedlings as theygerminate in the spring without damaging the estab-lished turf. Unfortunately, most of these preemergentherbicides kill the seeds of the cool season lawngrasses and cannot be used at the time of seeding.Siduron is the only exception. Siduron can be appliedwith bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrass at the time ofseeding. The seedlings of crabgrass, foxtail, andbamyardgrass will be selectively controlled and thedesirable grasses will remain unaffected. Siduron is theactive ingredient of many crabgrass preventer/starterfertilizer materials. Once the barrier of siduron hasbeen established, the soil should not be furtherdisturbed. Wherever the barrier is broken, annualweeds will emerge.

Do not use crabgrass preventer unless it is labeled fornew seedlings.

FertilizerFertilization is very important ac the time of seeding.This is the only time you will be able to incorporaterequired soil amendments or fertilizer into the rootzone.

Prior to preparing the seedbed, broadcast fertilizeraccording to soil test recommendations, then incorpo-rate to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Soil testinginformation may be obtained from your countyextension office.

Where a soil test has not been made, apply 10 to15 pounds of 0-46-0 (triple superphosphate) or 20 to25 pounds of 0-20-0 (ordinary superphosphate) per1,000 square feet, and work into the soil to a 4 to6 inch depth.

After the seedbed has been prepared and just beforeseeding, apply a commercial turfgrass starter fertilizeraccording to label directions. If a farm grade fertilizer isused, select one that is high in phospEorus, such as an18-46-0. Apply the fertilizer at a rate to provide 1 to11/2 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.Additional fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per1,000 square feet should be applied to the lawn 3 to4 weeks after germination, when the grass is 1 to11/2 inches tall. See Pm-1057, Maintenance Fertiliza-tion of Turfgrass, for more information on fertilization.

Preparing the SeedbedPreparing the seedbed is the most labor intensive andtime consuming step in establishing your lawn, but it isalso the most important A well-prepared seedbed isessential for rapid, successful establishment of a lawn.

Using a intotiller or other cultivation equipment, workthe soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, incorporating thefertilizer or other soil amendments recommended fromsoil test results. To prevent clodding. do not till a wetsoil. Also, overfilling the soil will destroy soil structureand is undesirable.

Prepared by Norman Hummel, former extension turfgrassspecialist, and Nick Christians, associate professor ofhorticulture. Revised by Michael Agnew, extension turfgrassrpecialist 60-

Cooperative Extension ServiceE Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

Pm-1072 I Revised I May 1985

Rake the area to finish-grade just prior to seeding.Light rolling will indicate any low spots or irregularitiesin the seedbed.

SeedingSelect high quality seed of the grass species bestadapted to the site. Perennial ryegrasses may beincluded in seed mixtures for spring and summerplantings to help the lawn establish quickly. However,for fall planting, a mixture of three or four Kentuckybluegrass varieties is preferred. The following table listsseveral seed mixtures and the seeding rate for each.See Pm-1067, Which Grass Is Best for Your Lawn, forinformation on selecting lawn grasses and buyingseed.

Seeding RateSeed mixture lb/1,000 sq ft lb/acre

100% Kentucky bluegrass 1 -1'h 45-6520% ryegrass +

80% bluegrass 2-21/2 85-11050% ryegrass +

50% bluegrass 3-31/2 130-15050% red fescue +

50% bluegrass 2'h -3 110-130100% red fescue 3-4 130-175100% tall fescue 5-7 215-300

Divide the total seed quantity in half. Sow one half inone direction and the other half at right angles to thefirst.

After the starter fertilizer and seed have beenbroadcast, lightly rake the area to cover the seed to adepth of no greater than 1/4 inch. Roll the area lightly tofirm the soil around the seed.

Grass seedlings are very susceptible to desiccation andthe surface of a newly seeded lawn should not beallowed to dry. Water should only be applied inamounts necessary to keep the soil surface moist.Avoid overwatering and runoff.

Mulching the lawn with clean (weed free) straw willhelp conserve moisture and prevent erosion. One baleof straw per 1,000 square feet will give a light mulchcovering that will not have to be removed aftergermination. Mulching with fresh grass is notrecommended.

MowingKentucky bluegrass should be maintained at a mowingheight of 2 to 21/2 inches. As a rule, no more than 1/2 ofthe grass blade should be removed. The new grassshould be mowed when it reaches 3 to 3'/2 inches inheight. Mowing at this time will promote the spreadingand thickening of the grass. New lawn grasses shouldnot be allowed to grow excessively long before the firstmowing. If this occurs, it will be necessary to mow thegrass in stages, so as not to remove more than 1/2.

Broadleaf Weed ControlAfter you have completed the task of establishing yourlawn, you will notice broadleaf weeds germinate alongwith the grass seedlings. Most broadleaf weeds can beeasily controlled with a broad spectrum herbicide afterthe turf is established. It is safe to apply a herbicideafter the lawn has been mower' at least two times. SeePm-930, Lawn Weed Control, for more information onlawn weed control.

44 and Justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Services programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon - discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating. Robert L. Crom, director, Ames, Iowa. Distributed infurtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

61.ISUP-68

effe4aid- 4Mowing your lawn

TG-14-85

horticulture guide

Mowing is the periodic removal of part of the turfgrassshoot. Many homeowners often do not mow theirlawns properly. All too often, they remove too much ofthe leaves and/or wait too long between mowings.

While mowing is a basic and impertant factor in lawnmaintenance, it may also injure plants. Each mowingtemporarily stops root growth, decreases carbohy-drates, increases water loss, decreases water absorptionby ivots, and creates ports of entry for diseases.Therefore, it is important to minimize these mowingstress with sound mowing practices.

Factors Involved in Proper MowingMowing heightMowing frequencyClipping removalMower operation

Mowing HeightMowing height depends on the turfgrass species andenvironmental conditions. There are basically fourturfgrass species that do well in Iowa lawns. Theyinclude Kentucky bluegrass, fine leaf fescue, perennialryegrass, and tall fescue (table 1). Tall fescue andperennial ryegrass are bunch-type grasses with erectgrowth habits. These species should be mowed higherbecause the crown of the plant is elevated Kentuckybluegrass and fine leaf fescue have combined prostrateand erect growth habits. The crown of the plant isrelatively dose to the soil surface. In lawn conditions,they will withstand lower mowing heights than thebunch-type grasses.

Increase the mowing height of cool-season turfgrassesduring the stressful summer months (table 1). Highermowing heights provide insulation to the crown of theplant against high temperatures; provide more leaf areathereby increasing photosynthesis; and will result indeeper root systems. This will enable the turfgrass towithstand periodic high-temperature stress.

The general range .. -rowing heights (table 1) mayalso depend upon culth, J'fferences. For instance,many Kentucky bluegrass :-..-Itivars, such as Park,Kenblue, and South Dakota Common, have more erectgrowth habits than ma- ; of the improved cultivars,such as Ade 1phi, Glade, and Midnight. Therefore, thelatter three cultivars will tolerate a lower mowing height.

Each turfgrass species has an adapted range in whichit tolerates mowing. This range will be lower than therecommended mowing height. Mowing below therecommended mowing height, but within the ranee oftolerance, requires a higher level of maintenance tomaintain a healthy turfgrass stend.

Mowing below the tolerance range will result in rapiddeterioration of turfgrass quality. Excessively dosemowing heights will decrease the total leaf area,carbohydrate reserves, and root growth thereby creatinga situation where the plants are unable to produceenough food to meet their own demands. Thus,turfgrass plants will be more susceptible to drought,high temperature, and wear injury. In addition, the bareareas crated by a decrease in lawn density increasethe chances of weed encroachment.

Turfgrasses can also be mowed too high. Mowingabove the tolerance range will reduce tilled% andcause matting of the grass. Reduced tillering results in

Table 1. Recommended mowingheights.

Species

Mowing height (in.)Cool High-temperatureweather stress periods

Kentucky bluegrass* 1.75-2.25 2.25-3.25Perennial ryegrass 1.75-2.25 2.25-3.25Creeping red fescue 1.50-2.00 2.00-3.00Chewings fescue 1.50-2.00 2.00-3.00Hard fescue 1.50-2.00 2.00-3.00Tall fescue 2.25-3.00 2.50-3.50

*In lawns where species are mixed, use the higher of the tworecommendations.

Prepared by Michael Agnew, extension turfgrassspecialist.

62

Cooperative Extension ServiceES Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

Pm-1213 I August 1985

fewer and coa.zer plants, while matted grass creates agood microenvironment for disease development.Mowing above the tolerance range also increasesthatch accumulation, which creates a need for highermaintenance and an area for overwinter:ng insects.

Mowing FrequencyDetermine mowing frequency by the grass growthratenot by any set schedule. Remove no more thanone-third of the total leaf area at any one mowing. Forexample, if you mow a Kentucky bluegrass lawn ata 2-inch height, the grass should be 3 inches tall.Removing more than one-third shocks turfgrass plants,which may result in temporary thinning of the turf.More important, the reserve carbohydrates within theplants are utilized for shoot regrowth, which will depletethe stored carbohydrates and reduce the capability ofthe plants to withstand environmental stresses.Damage to the crowns of the plants results in a stubby,brown appearance. Turfgrass plants cannot survive thisamount of cutting because the shoot and roots aresevered from the crown.

A grass mowed at 1 inch will require more frequentmowings than one mowed at 2 inches. If the growthrate is the same for each grass. for example 1/4 inchper day, the grass mowed to 1 inch would have to bemowed in 2 days to remove only one-third of theabove ground tissue, whereas the grass mowed at2 inches would not have to be mowed for 4 days.

Table 2. Mowing frequencg.

Your mowingheight (in.)1

1 1/2

221/2331/2

Height ofgrass atmowing (in.)1 1/2

21/4

333/441/251/4

Amount ofgrassremoved(1/3) (n)

1/2

3/4

1

11/4

11/2

13/4

Clipping RemovalThe need to remove the clippings depends on mowingfrequency. If the lawn is mowed often enough, theshort clippings will fall down into ti- . turf. However,rehiove long clippings that remain on top of the grass.Excess clippings shade the turfgrass and create ami ,oenvironment that favors disease development.Clippings contribute very little to thatch development

File. Hort & L A. 4-1

because clippings are primarily water and cellulose thatdecompose easily. Therefore, removing clippings toprevent thatch is impractical.

Mowing OperationsProper use of mowing equipment requires a knowledgeof mowers, blade sharpness, and safety. Match yourmower capacity with the size of the lawn so that themowing can be done in a reasonable amount of time.A riding mower is appropriate if the lawn is large, flat,and full of open spaces. A walk-behind mower is moreappropriate if the lawn is small with many trees.

Reel and rotary are the two basic types of lawnmowers. The reel mowers are generally more expen-sive and will not cut high grass, but will produce asmooth even cut on close-cut turf. The rotary mowerwill cost less, cut high grass, and is easy to sharpen;but it can be dangerous, noisy, and will tend to scalpuneven turf.

A sharp blade is the secret to a quality mowing job.Dull blades will shred the grass, which increases theports of entry for disease. A dull mower blade will leavea uniform whitish cast to the lawn. Sharp blades willimprove the energy efficiency of the mower by cuttingmere cleanly and quickly. Sharp blades are especiallyimportant for ryegrass and tall fescue.

An extra mower blade on hand will help preventprocrastination when it is time to replace the old blade.

Keep in mind that power mowers can be dangerousand cause serious injury. Become familiar with theequipment and use good common sense.

Safety Precautions When MowingRead operator's manual.Remove debris from lawn.Keep children and pets at a safe distance.Keep feet and hands away from blade.Wear sturdy shoes and long pants.Operate mower at low travel speed.Always push mower, do not pull toward self.Watch footing on wet areas and slopes.Do not leave engine running unattended.Refuel engine only when it is shut off and cool.Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wires prior to

working on blade or engine.

I,.: and justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Service's programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon-discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Coopeiative Extension Service. Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating Robert L. Crom. director. Ames, Iowa. Distributed infurtherance of the Ads of Congress of May 8 and June 30. 1914.

63 ISQP.68

i11111rti ;PIS "It

Turfgrass renovationTG-5-85

horticulture guide

Turfgrass renovation is a process of improving an areaby seeding into the existing sod. It is a selective tillageprocess that falls short of completely reestablishing theturf. Lawn renovation becomes necessary when thearea has been damaged to the extent that it cannotrecover with standard maintenance practices, such asirrigation and fertilization.

When a lawn is damaged beyond its capability torecover, some environmental factor caused it. If thecause is not effectively dealt with, renovation will not besuccessful. Causes of turf deterioration may includepoor drainage, thatch buildup, compaction, excessiveshade, unadapted grass species, low fertility, Fusariumblight, or many other causes. Most of these problemscan be corrected through renovation and propermaintenance.

The renovation method used depends on such factorsas the amount of desirable permanent turfgrassspecies present, as well as the amount and kinds ofundesirable grass or grass-like weeds and other weedspresent. The thickness of thatch accumulation shouldalso be considered.

Regardless of the method, a soil test should be madeprior to starting renovation. Soil testing providesvaluable information on the nutrient status of the soil ata nominal cost. County extension offices have shippingboxes, directions for taking samples, and informationsheets that should be sent to the Iowa State SoilTesting Laboratory with the sample.

Early fall and spring are the ideal times to renovatelawns because the favorable weather enhances recov-ery. Summer renovation is not recommended.

The foitowing are step-by-step instructions on renovat-ing turfgrass areas for three situations.

Program IThis program is designed for areas containing morethan 50 percent of desirable permanent grass species,

containing no other perennial grasses, and having athatch depth not more than 11/2 inches.

1. All the weeds present in the area to be renovatedshould be properly identified. If only easy-to-kill weeds,such as dandelion and plantain, are present, 2,4-D maybe applied. The area can then be seeded 2 weeks afterapplication. If hard-to-kill weeds, such as ground ivy orclover, are present, then 2,4-D should be applied incombination with dicamba or MCPP. A 6-week waitingperiod is required before seeding can begin. SeePm-930 for more information on weed control.

2. Mow the area as short as possible (3/4 inch),removing all the clippings. This is to insure that thegerminating seedlings obtain enough light to supporttheir development.

3. Thatch must be removed by mechanical means.Thatch is a layer of dead stems, roots, and leaves thathave accumulated between the green leaf tissue of theturf and the soil. Thatch can damage turf by restrictingmovement of air, water, nutrients, and pesticides intothe root zone. Power rakes are available from manygarden equipment rental outlets. Power rake the area infour directions (including diagonally) as many times asnecessary to remove the accumulated thatch. Removeall the debris. See Pm-1127 for more information onthatch control.

Use a power rake to remove as much thatch as possible.

Prepared by Norman Hummel, former extension turfgrassspecialist. Revised by Michael Agnew, extension turfgrassspecialist

64

Cooperative Extension Service

ES Iowa State UniversityAmes, Iowa 50011

Pm-1055 I Revised I May 1985

4. If this area has had a crabgrass problem, and youare renovating in the spring, siduron (Tupersan) is aneffective herbicide for preemergent crabgrass controlthat is safe in the seedbed. It is available to thehomeowner only in starter fertilizers with crabgrasspreventer (siduron). Do not use regular turf fertilizerswith crabgrass killer! Apply the material according tothe label directions.

5 If a starter fertilizer has been applied with crabgrasspreventer, it is not necessary to apply more fertilizer atthis time.

Fertilizer and lime should be applied in accordance tosoil test recommendations. Where a soil test has notbeen made, apply 10 pounds of triple superphosphate(0-46-0) per 1,000 square feet. Immediately prior toseeding, broadcast 20 pounds of 10-5-5, 10-6-4, or 20pounds of a 16-8-8 fertilizer, or the equivalent, per1,000 square feet. The fertilizer must be turf grade,having an approximate 2 -1 -1 ratio and containing atleast 35 percent of the total nitrogen as water insolubleor con rolled release nitrogen. As an alternative, 7 to 8pounds of a 13-25-12, 10 pounds of a 1040-10, or 5 to6 pounds of an 18-46-0 farm grade (water solublenitrogen) fertilizer may be applied per 1,000 squarefeet. Use of a water-soluble fertilizer will necessitaterefertilization after 6 to 8 weeks of growing weather.Work the fertilizer into the soil by dragging the areawith a large doormat or piece of chainlink fence. SeePm-1057 for more information on fertilization.

6. A turf-type disk seeder is the best tool for seeding.This machine cuts grooves into the soil and depositsthe seed in the groove, insuring good seed-soil contactnecessary for rapid germination and establishment.When no disk seeder is available, spread the seeduniformly over the area with a drop-type seeder. Thetotal seed quantity should be halved, sowing one-halfin one direction and the other at right angles to thefirst.

Seed the area with high quality seed of the permanentspecies best adapted to the environmental conditionsof your area. For sunny areas, a blend of two to fiveKentucky bluegrass varieties is recommended. Im-proved varieties that have done well in Iowa includeAdelphi, Baron, Bonnie blue, Bristol, Cheri, Glade,Majestic, Midnight, Parade, Ram I, Touchdown, and Victa.Kentucky bluegrass should be seeded at a rate of 1 to11/2 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. To obtain arelatively fast cover with spring seeding, Pennfine orManhattan perennial ryegrass may be added to themixture in amount not to exceed 20 percent of thetotal mixture. Fall seedings of Kentucky bluegrassestablish quickly. Therefore, bluegrass-ryegrass blendsshould not be planted at this time.

In partially shaded areas, use a mixture of 50 percentchewings or red fescue and 50 percent Kentuckybluegrass. Heavily shaded areas may be seeded with100 percent chewings or red fescue at a rate of2 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.

Drag the area again to work the seed into the seedbed.

7. To help retain moisture and promote germination,mulch the are .vith a light application of straw (1 to11/2 bales per 1,000 square feet) or reed-sedge peat.Care must be taken not to apply a layer of mulch soheavy that it smothers the existing grass.

8. Lightly irrigate the area when dry. Irrigation shouldonly be sufficient to moisten the surface. Avoid runoff!

Program IIThis program is designed for areas containing lessthan 50 percent of desirable grass species and havinga thatch depth of not more than 11/2 inches.

1. After omitting one regular mowing, apply glyphosate(Roundup ®) or paraquat according to label recom-mendations. Allow 7 days before renovation, thenfollow steps 2 through 8 in Program I.

Program HIFor use when thatch layer exceeds ne inches in depth.1. Treat the area with glyphosate or paraquat as inProgram II.

2. Seven days er glyphosate application, remove thesod with a mecnanical sod cutter.

3. Till the top 4 inches of soil with a rotovator. Gradeoff the high spots and fill in low spots.

4. Same as step 5 in Program I.

5. Apply the seed with a drop-type seeder. Seedaccording to recommendations in step 6 of Program I.After seeding, lightly roll the area to place the seed infirm contact with the soil.

6. Mulch. Same as step 7 in Program I.

7. Water. Same as step 8 in Program I.

Turfgrass renovation is time consuming and expensive,and it is only the first step in having beautiful turf. Asound management program must be followed toinsure continued improvement of the turf.

Mention of specific companies or brand names does not implyendorsement of a particular product.

_6 and justice for all Cooperative Extension Service. Iowa State University of Science andThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Service s programs and policies are Technougy and the United States Department of Agricultureconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations on cooperating. Robert L. Crom. director, Ames, Iowa. Distributed innon-discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30. 1914.age, and handicap.

*

TG-8-85

horticulture guide

Which grass is best for your lawn?The selection of the proper turfgrass is the mostimportant step in the establishment of a lawn. Throughproper selection, future problems may be prey ented.

Grass species and cultivars vary in their range ofadaptation. This variation may occur from or part ofthe country to another, as well as from one part of thestate to another.

The grass that is best for your lawn will depend onL Your quality standards,2. The amount of maintenance you are willing toprovide,3. The amount of shade, and4. How the lawn will be used.

Quality vs. MaintenanceEveryone has ideas about what a quality lawn shouldbe. The beautiful, dark green Kentucky bluegrass lawnthat is the pride of the neighborhood is probably themost expensive and time consuming lawn to maintain.At the other extreme is the tall fescue lawn that iscoarse in texture, light in color. This lawn, however,requires less watering, thatch control, and fertilization.

The needs of most people are probably between thesetwo extremes, but balancing maintenance and qualityis an individual decision that should be carefullyconsidered.

Maintenance RequirementsLeast

Most

Tall fescueFine fescueZoysiagrassBluegrassRyegrass

Maintenance level can be categorized by the amount ofnitrogen, irrigation, and thatch control that is receivedin one year.

Cultural Maintenance LevelPractice Low Medium HighNitrogen

(Ib /yr) 1-2 23-3.5 4-5Irrigation No Maybe Yes

Thatch control No Maybe Yes

Maintenance level will vary among different cultivars ofKentucky bluegrass. The new improved types ofKentucky bluegrass (table 1) require a medium to highmaintenance level. There are several cultivars that haveperformed well undo low maintenance levels (table 2).However, most of these do not perform well under highmaintenance.

Amount of ShadeOne of the most frequent causes of turf deterioration isshade. Grass species differ in their ability to tolerateshade. Before selecting the grass for your lawn,consider the amount of shade the grass will besubjected to now and as the trees grow.

Shade Tolerance of GrassesLeast Zoysiagrass

BluegrassRyegrassTall Fescue

Most Fine Fescue

Type of Lawn UseHow your lawn is used will have a big influence on thegrass you select. If your lawn is used mainly for show,wear resistance may not be an important considera-tion. If the lawn gets frequent family or neighborhooduse, select a grass or mixture of grasses that will resistwear and recover quickly.

Wear ResistanceFine fescueBluegrassRyegrassTall fescueZoysiagrass

Recuperative AbilityLow Zoysiagrass

RyegrassTall fescueFine fescue

High Bluegrass

Prepared by Norman Hummel, former extension turfgrass specialist.Revised by Michael Agnew, extension turfgrass specialist. and NickChristians, associate professor of horticulture.

66

Cooperative Extension Service

ES Iowa State UniversityAmes, Iowa 50011

Pm-1067 I Revised I October 1985

Grass SpeciesKentucky bluegrass is the best adapted turfgrass inIowa for lawns. Kentucky bluegrass is dark ?seen incolor and has a medium texture. The leave , aresmooth, soft, and have good mowing quality. Bluegrasswill form a tightly knit, attractive sod due to its ability tospread by underground stems (rhizomes). it should bemaintained at 2 to 3 inches, but will tolerate lowermowing on high maintenance areas. It grows best onheavy, well-drained, fertile soils and will tolerate partialshade. Water requirements are high during the actualgrowing season, but during hot, dry spells Kentuckybluegrass will escape drought by going dormant.Kentucky bluegrass will recover rapidly when anadequate amount of moisture is suppliec:. It hasmoderate wear resistance but recovers quickly fromdamage.

Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to Fusarium blightand the leaf spot diseases. Improved varieties ofbluega:,s are more resistant to these diseases than thecor ,,non types. Select a seed mixture that contains atleast twc '-:riproved bluegrass varieties. F3Iuegrassvarieties that have done well in Iowa are listed intable I.

Perennial ryegrass is a bunch-type grass that is usedin seed mixtures primarily because of its ability togerminate and establish quickly. It is medium to coarsein texture arid dark green in color. Ryegrass leaves areheavily veined with a glossy underside. Ryegrassshould be maintained within the 2 to ?t inch mowingheight range.

Ryegrass does not tolerate extremes in temperature,and therefore is not recommended for ix ! stands inIowa. However, because of its exceptional auribility andrapid establishment, improved varieties are blendedwith bluegrasses to provide a wear resistant turf onheavily used areas.

Ryegrass is fairly shade toierant. It grows well on a widerange of soils and has good tolerance ,u wet soils.

Improved ryegrass varieties for use in blends are listedin table 1.

Table 1. Recommended turfgrass varieties k rIowa.

Kentucky bluegrass Perennial ryegrass

AdelphiBaronBonnieblueBrist,..'CheriEclipseGladeMajesticMeritMidnightNassauParadeRam ITouchdownVicta

ManhattanManhattan IICitationDerbyDiplomatNK 200PalmerPennfinePreludeRegalYorktown

'Mille 2. Recommended Kentucky bluegrasscultivars for low maintenance.

ArgleFylkingKent 'ueMonopolyMosePiedmont

PlushRam-ISouth Dakota ccmmdnVantageWabash

Fine fescue is the general name given t% ,. group offescu.. species chara:terized by having ay fine leaves.Creeping red fescue, hard fescue, and chewings fescueare used in blends for shz.-Jed conditions. They aresuperior to most cool season grasses in shadeadaptation and are -.ompatible in nixes with Kentuckybluegrass. Like ryegrass, fine fescues germinate andestablish quHtly.

Fine fescues form a very fine-textured turf of highshoot density. They are medium to dark green in colorand spread by tillers dnd rhizomes. Drought toleranceis superior to blue grass. However, during periods ofhot, dry weather, the fine fescue may lose its colorrapidly. Fine fescues should be mowed regularly ,- 2 to21/2 inches and will respond well under a lowfertilization program.

67

Improved varieties of fine fescues include Penn lawn,Ensylva, Dawson, and Fortress red fescue; Shadow,Jamestown, and Atlanta chewings fescue, and Biljart,Scaldis, and Reliant hard fescue.

Tall fescue is the most heat and drought tolerant of thecool season grasses. It is often used where a lowmaintenance lawn is desired. It will form a deep rootsystem that is well adapted to clay, wet, or alkalinesoils.

Tall fescues are medium to dark green in color and arevery coarse textured. They are bunch-type grasses thatmust be thickly planted to form a good sod. Over-seeding every two years is recommended to reduce thecoarse, clumpy appearance of tall fescue grass.

When tall fescue is maintained at 3 inches, weeds willrarely be a problem. There are few serious disease OTinsect problems with tall fescue, and thatch is rarely aproblem unless the lawn is overwatered or overfer-tilized. Tall fescue is a fast growing grass, so morefrequent mowing will be required. Finer leaved tallfescue varieties, such as Rebel, Mustang, Hounddog,and Falcon, have been released in recent years. Thesecultivars are somewhat finer in texture than other tallfescues and may provide advantages over the oldercultivars.

Zoysiagrass is a medium textured, slow-growing, warmseason grass that spreads by rhizomes and above-ground runners (stolons). It is more cola tolerant thanmost warm season grasses, however, it remains in astraw-colored state of dormancy for 8 months a year inIowa. Zoysia is very heat and drought tolerant. Anotherfactor limiting the use of zoysiagrass in Iowa ;s its slowestablishment rate. However once established,zoysiagrass forms a very dense, weed resistant sod.Thatch buildup is a serious problem with zoysia, soregular dethatching is necessary.

Zoysiagrass grows best on well-drained, slightly acid,medium-textured soils of moderate fertility. It does nottolerate poorly drained soils.

When properly managed, establis. d zoysiagrass willform a very attractive, dense, high quality lawn. Meyeris the most widely used zeysit.bi ass cultivar. It can onlybe established from sod, sprigs, or plugs.

Buffalograss is a fine-textured, -.vish-green grassnative to the western Great Piaii it is adapted to awide range of soil conditions, but is exceptionally wellsuited to fine textured, alkaline soils. Buffalograssspreads by stolons, but it will not form a dense, highquality sod. It requires vow nitrogen, no irrigation, andfull t,un. Unfortunately, most parts of Iowa will receivetoo much rainfall to make this turfgrass a practicalchoice.

Buffalograss may be established from seed, sod,sprigs, or plugs. It is very slow t3 establish, and maytake 2 years or more to form a sod. Weeds are often aserious problem during establishment. ,'.oid overwater-ing ant., overfertilizing during the establishment yearsbecause these ,ryctices will favor weeds.

Improved varieties of buffalograss include Sharp's anTexoka.

Purchasing SeedWhen you have decided which grass is best for yourlawn, you will want to purchase high quality seed.Garden center shelves contain a wide range of seedchoices. Unfortunately, many of these are low quality,inexpensive blends. When you consider the amount ofwork necessary to establish a lawn, and the longevityof the lawn produced, the investment of purchasinghigh quality seed is very small. A lawn established withthe right seed mixture means less trouble and expensein years to come.

Read the seed LabelUnderstanding what goes into a seed mixture will helpyou in selecting the rig:a seed mixture and making thebest investment for your home lawn. Seed packagesare required by law to list on a label an analysiscontaining important informi ri about the seed. Anexample of a seed label is shown below.

68

Seed Mixture Analysis

Fine Textared Grasses21.19% Ade 1phi Kentucky bluegrass22.54% Majestic Kentucky i ,egrass20.70% Touchdown Kentucky bluegrass

Germ.90%90%89%

Coarse Grasses33.47% Pennfine perennial ryegrass 96%

Other Ingredients0.05% Weed seed2.05% Inert matter0.00% Other crop seed

No Noxious Weeds

Tested 5/8525# Net wt

X, Y, Z Seed Co.Anywhere, Iowa

0

The principal factors influencing seed quality are purityand germination. Purity is the percentage of pure seedof an identified species or cultivar rdesent in that lot ofseed. For example, 21.19 percent of the sample mix isAdelphi Kentucky bluegrass seed. Germination is thepercentage of seed that is alive and will germinateunder standard laboratory conditions. Since seed willlose its viability with time, the date of germinationtesting is listed on the label and should be noted.Multiplying the germination by purity and dividing by100 gives the percentage of pure live seed (PLS)(germ % x purity % 100 = % PLS). Using the sampleseed mix:

Adelphi (21.19% x 90%) + 100= 19.07% PLSMajestic (22.54% x 90%) -÷ 100= 20.28% PLSTouchdown (20.70% x 89%) ÷ 100= 18.42% PLSPennfine (33.47% x 96%) ÷ 100= 32.13% PLS

89.9% PLS inthis mix

File. Hort. and L A 4-1

Next, divide the cost per pound of seed by thepercentage PLS, then multiply by 100 to yield theactual cost of pure live seed. If this sample mix cost$2.25 per pound, then $2.25 ÷ 89.9% x 100 =$2.50 per pound PLS. By making these simplecalculations when shopping for seed, you can comparetwo or more packages of seed to determine which isthe best buy.

When purity is less than 100 percent, the remainingpercentage is composed of weed seed, inert matter,and other crop seeds. Weed seed refers to undesirableplant species not normally grown as a farm crop, suchas chickweed. The lower the percent weed seed, thebetter the quality the seed. Noxious weeds are thosethat are officially declared as special problem weeds,such as quackgrass. Select a seed mix that containsno noxious weeds Other crop seeds are plants thatare normally grown for profit. These plants may includevery difficult weeds to eradicate, such as bromegiassor orchardgrass. Puchase seed that contains no othercrop seeds. Inert matter includes anything that is notseed, such as soil, stems, or detached hulls. Obtain aseed mix with a low percent inert matter. The label alsocontains the name and address of the seed packerresponsible for the contents of the mix as it is specifiedon the label.

Selecting the right grass, and purchasing quality seedare only the first steps to establishing your lawn.Following proper establishment procedures and asound maintenance program are equally .mportant .nhaving a beautiful lawn.

.1 and justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Service's programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations ornon-discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating. Robert L. Crom, director, Ames, Iowa. Distributed infurtherance of the F ,ts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

69

41.

TG-10-85

641 vow horticulture guide

Calibration and maintenance of a fertilizerspreader and lawn area calculationThere are two types of spreaders available: the drop-type or gravity spreader, and the rotary or broadcastspreader. The one you choose depends upon its use.For example, you should use a drop-type spreaderwhen making applications of herbicides, since manyornamental plants are sensitive to herbicides used onthe home lawn. Seed, too, is more accurately appliedwith a drop-type spreader. Fertilizers, however, can berapidly and accurately applied with a broadcastspreader.

Equipment needed for calibrationScale that measures in ounces.Broom and dust pan.Sheet of plastic.

The Drop-type SpreaderA drop-type spreader is one in which the fertilizer exitsthrough a series of openings at the base (figure 1). The'ize of the openings can be adjusted to obtain differentrates of application. Since all the fertilizer falls withinthe wheel base, slight overlapping of the wheels witheach pass is necessary to ensure uniform coverage.Common problems associated with drop spreadersinclude skips between . pplication strips as well asexcessive overlapping. However, with proper calibrationand operation, drop spreaders can apply granularfertilizers and pesticides very accurately.

To CalibrateLocate a smooth, flat area without deep cracks, on thedriveway or in the garage. Sweep a section about 5 by12 feet to remove small stones and other debris. If asmooth area cannot be found, place a 4- by 12-footpiece of plastic on the ground, securing the cornerswith heavy objects. Mark an area 10 feet long with apiece of chalk or marking pencil.

Fill the spreader with material to be spread on thelawn. Set the spreader at a middle sett,hg. Walk atnormal speed across the 10-foot strip, turning on the

spreader at the first mark and shutting it off at thesecond. Sweep the fertilizer that was dropped by thespreader, then weigh it on a kitchen scale. Record thisweight in ounces.

Determine how much material should have droppedon the strip, if the proper rate was applied. This stepinvolves a few simple calculations:

1. Determine the amount of material (A) to be spreadper 1,000 square feet. This should be converted frompounds to ounces (1 pound =16 ounces).

2. Determine the total area (B) to be covered by thespreader in the 10-foot test strip i.e. 10 ft. (length oftest strip) x 3 feet (width of spreader) = 30 square feet.

Figure 1. Drop-type spreader.

Prepared by Mike Agnew, extension turfgrass specialist, and NickChristians, associate professor of horticulture.

70

Cooperative Extension ServiceES Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

Pm-1113 i Revised I April 1985

3. Set up the proportion with (C) equaling the amountof material that should fall from the spreader.

(A) ounces1,000 sq. ft.

(C) ounces(B) sq. ft.

where (C)(A) x (B)

1,000 sq. ft.

The answer calculated in step 3 (C) should equal theweight of fertilizer dropped on the sample strip. If therecorded weight is less than the calculated value,repeat this procedure with the spreader set to a lai geropening. If the weighed value is more than thecalculated value, the spreader opening should besmaller. Don't get frustrated if the two values don'tagree at first. It may take two or three adjustments inspreader settings before the spreader is properlycalibrated.

Example: A 50-pound bag of 33-0-0 is to be appliedto a lawn at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000square feet. This would require 3 pounds of 33-0-0 per1,000 square feet (see Pm-1057 for recommendedfertilizer rates and procedures). A 36-inch spreac, . is tobe used. Convert pounds to ounces. Thus, 3pounds =48 ounces.

1. (A) = 48 ounces of 33-0-0 per 1,000 square feet.

2. (B) = 10 feet (length) x 3 feet (width) = 30square feet.

48 ounces3'

1,000 sq. ft.(C) ounces30 sq. ft.

48 ounces x 30 sq. ft.where (C)

1,000 sq. ft.(C) = 1.44 ounces.

The spreader should have dropped close to 11/2 ouncesof fertilizer on the test strip if it is properly calibrated. Ifnot, readjust the setting and try again. Continue thistrial and error procedure until the spreade, consistentlydelivers the desired amount of fertilizer. Then recordthe setting for future use.

it is important to understand the relationship betweenthe setting number and the amount of fertilizerdropped. A spreader setting of 10 does not mean themachine will spread twice as much fertilizer as with asetting of It will probably be closer to 4 times asmuch. Keep this in mind wile,' chcriging tile spreadersetting.

What About Seeding?The procedure for calibrating a drop-type spreader fora seeding rate is essentially the same as that forfertilizers, except for the following: (A) In step 2, use a50-foot test strip instead of a 10-foot test strip. This is

done to insure that enough seed can be collected toweigh on a common kitchen scale. (B) In step 3,divide the answer (C) by 2.

This number actually represents half the recom-mended seeding rate. Proper establishment involvesseeding the lawn twice, sowing half the seed in onedirection and the other half at right angles to the first.(figure 2). See Pm-1072, Establis,Vng a Lawn FromSeed, for recommended seeding rates and procedures.

Example: To seed a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, therecommended seeding rate is 11/2 pounds or 24ounces of seed per 1,000 square feet. A 24-inchspreader will be used.

1. (A) = 24 ounces of seed per 1,000 square feet.

2. (B) = 50 feet (length) x 2 feet (width) = 100square feet.

24 ounces (C) ounces1 000 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft. where

24 ounces x 100 sq. ft.(C) = 2.4 ounces1,000 sq. ft.2.4 + 2 = 1.2 ounces.

The spreader should drop about 11/4 ounces of seedon the 50-foot test ,rip if it is properly calibrated.

The Rotary SpreaderRotary spreaders are very efficient for fertilizing largelawns. Fertilizer drops out of one or more adjustableopenings onto a rotating plate (figure 3) and is spreadin a semicircular arc due to the centrifugal force of therotating plate.

Uniform distribution is a problem with rotary spreadersbut it can be controlled by overlapping. To uniformlyspread a fertilizer, apply half of the material in onedirection, and the other half at righ angles to the first(figure 2). This means that when the rotary spreader iscalibrated it will be for half the recommended rate.

Calibrate for Half RatePartially fill the spreader with fertilizer and mark thelevel on the side of the hopper. With the spreader set ata middle setting, operate it over an area of knowndimension. For example, if the spreader has a 6-footspreading swath and it is operated for 50 feet, it willhave covered 300 square feet (6 x 50 = 300).

Next, place a pliable piece of plastic or cloth on theinside of the hopper. Pour fertilizer into the hopper untilit has reached the marked level. Then remove andweigh the amount of fertilizer that was added to .efillthe hopper to the marked level. Record the weight inounces.

7 1

To determine how much fertilizer should have beenspread on the known area:

1. Determine the amount of material (A) to be spreadper 1,000 square feet.

2. Determine the total area (B) to be covered withfertilizer, i.e. 50 feet (length of test area) x 6 feet(width of spreader swath) = 300 square feet.

3. Set up the proportion with (C) - 2 equaling theamount of material that should fall from the spreader.

(A) ounces (C) ounces1,000 sq. ft. (B) sq. ft. where

x (B)(C) =

(A)nd (C) ÷2 =

Amount of fertilizer that should be added to hopper.

The final answer should equal the weighed fertilizer. Ifthe weighed value is less than the calculated value, set

Finishhere

MI.11111111111111111111

Figure 2. Pattern for fertilizing or seedinglawn with a rotary spreader.

Figure 3. Rotary spreader.

72

the spreader with a larger opening and repeat theprocedure. If the weighed value is mote than thecalculated value, the spreader opening should besmaller. Don't get frustrated if the two values don'tagree at first. It may take five or six adjustments inspreader settings before the spreader is properlycalibrated. After calibration has been completed, recordthe setting fo= future use. Be sure to recheck thesetting each time new fertilizer is purchased.

Example: A 30-pound bag of 16-2-2 fertilizer is to beapplied to the lawn at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per1,000 square feet. This would require 6 pounds Jr 96ounces of 16-2-2 per 1,000 square feet (see Pm-1057).The spreader has a 6-foot spreading swath. Calibrate itby walking 25 feet.

1. (A) = 96 ounces of 16-2-2 per 1,n00 square feet.

2. (B) = 25 feet (length) x 6 feet (spreaderswath) =15 square feet.

96 ounces (C) ounces3.

1,000 sq. ft 150 sq. ft.

where (C) = 14.4 ounces14.4 2 = 72 ounces.

What About Seeding?Rotary spreaders are not recommended for seedinghome lawns. It is nearly impossible to spread Kentuckybluegrass seed uniformly with a rotary spreader due tothe small seed size. A drop-type spreader is preferred.

Spreader MaintenanceA properly maintained fe ilizer spreader will last longerand provide more uniform coverage of foliage. Thefollowing steps should prove useful in the propermaintenance of a fertilizer spreader.

1. After using the fertilizer spreader, it is important toremove all excess material from the spreader. Neverstore unused material in the hopper.

2. Thoroughly wash the inside of the hopper as well assurrounding external surfaces.

3. Dry the spreader. This is especially important formetal spreaders and metal parts of the spreader. Thiswill minimize rust formation. The development of rustnear the openings can severely affect the uniformity offertilizer application.

4. Apply a thin layer of oil to exposed metal surfaces.This will protect the metal from rusting. Be sure not toforget to oil the wheels.

5. Check for worn or broken parts. Replace those partsprior to next use.

Area Calculation 'MangleIt is important to calculate accurately the area of the Area = .5 x Base (B) x Height (H)lawn where fertilizer or seed will be applied. This willhelp you purchase the correct amount of fertilizer orseed. Follow the examples below on how to calculatethe area of various area shapes.

Rectangle or squareArea = Length (L) x Width (W)

B = 20'

Example: = .5 x (20') x (20') = 200 sq. ft.

Irregular Shape

20'

20' W 1. Determine the longest axis of the area (length line).

2. Mark out 10-foot increments along the length line,and mea. 'ire the width (W) at right angles.L

Example: Area = (20') x (20'):=400 sq. ft. 3. Total all widths and multiply by 10. This willdetermine the area to within 5 percent.

CircleArea = ir x Radius (R) x Radius (R) where IT = 3.14 Area = (W, + W2 + W, + W4) x 10

20'

Example: 3.14 x (20') x (20') = 1,256 sq. ft.

OvalArea = Length (L) x Width (W) x .8where L and W are measured at midpoint

Example: (40') x (20') x .8 = 640 sq. ft.This area determination is accurate to within 5 percent.

W, = 20'W2 = 35'

-4 Length line

= 10'

W, = 50'

Example: Area = (20' + 35' + 50' + 10') x10 = 1,150 sq. ft.

Final Note on CalibrationChanges in walking speed will change the calibrationof both drop-type and rotary spreaders, so make surethat walking speed is the same when fertilizing thelawn as it was when the spreader was calibrated.

Also, not all fertilizers and pesticides are alike, sospreader settinas will change when different materialsare used. For example, the settint. used for the "weedand feed" applications in the fall will probably bedifferent from that used for the "crabgrass preventer"in the spring. The spreader will have to be recalibratedeach time a new material is used.

As a final step, it is very important that the calibrationbe checked by comparing the actual application rateon the lawn against the calculated rate. Furtheradjustment may be necessary at that time.

Al and justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Service s programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon-discrimination regarding race, color. national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating. Robert L Crom, director, Ames, Iowa Distributed infurtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 3t., 1914

73ISUP-68

TG-11-84

horticulture guide

Thatch control in the home lawnThatch is a tightly intermingled layer of dead and livingstems, leaves, and roots that forms between the soilsurface and green vegetation. Thatch developmentnormal in home lawns. However, excessive amounts ofthatch may be detrimental.

Why worry about thatchThere are many reasons why homeowners should tryto prevent thatch from forming. When thatch is presentin excessive amounts (greater than Y2 inch), it maymake up the primary growt1-. ..edium. This means thatmost of the grass roots will be growing in the thatch,not the soil. Since thatch is not capable of holdingmuch water, the grass will be more susceptible todrought. Also, thatch does not offer roots or grasscrowns much protection from temperature extremes.Therefore, direct low and high temperature kill ofgrasses is more likely to occur en thatchy lawns.

An increase in the incidence of diseases such asFusarium blight, Pythium blight, and leafspot has beenshown to be associated with an increase in thatch.Thatca also provides an ideal habitat for the overwin-tering of sod webworm and adult billbug. In fact, sodwebworms have great difficulty surviving in bare soil,so thatch is very important to continued populations ofthis insect.

Finally, the effectiveness of certain pesticides and theefficiency of fertilizers are greatly hampered whenthatch is present in excessive amounts.

Thatch controlThatch control is not just a once-every-five-year powerraking. Instead it is an integrated approach involvingprevention, biological control, and mechanical removal.

PreventionThatch prevention first requires understanding whatcauses thatch to form. Thatch accumulates when therate of shoot production exceeds the rate of microbialdecomposition.

Heavy nitrogen fertilization and irrigation will promotethatch development. This is why the nicest lawns in theneigh:..orhood are often the first to have thatch-relatedproblems. Fertilizer and water should be adequateenough to maintain good growth, but not so excessiveas to produce succulent, unnecessary growth. Exces-sive irrigation can further aid in thatch accumulation bycreating waterlogged comitions that inhibit breakdownof the thatch by microorganisms.

infrequent mowing of tall grass will also contribute tothatch accumulation. This does not mean, however,that grass clippings should always be removed.Research has shown that grass clippings are a valuablesource of nutrients and that they do not contribute tothatch if the iawn is mowed at proper intervals.

Gras; species and even cultivars will influence thatch.Certain grasses tend to thatch faster than otherssome because of their vigorous growth habit, othersbecause of the resistance of their plant tissue todecomposition. Some Kentucky bluegrass cultivars arenotorious thatch producers due to their vigorousgrowth habit. Fine fescues are slow-growers, but theirleaves .and other plant parts are very resistant todecomposition. Where vigorous bluegrass cultivars cused, mowing at a shorter height (11/2 inches) willretard shoot production.

Biological controlFungi, bacteria, and other soil microorganisms activelydecompose certain components of thatch. Earthwormsand insects also help control thatch by mixing soil intothe thatch and improving soil ac ration. It is possible forhomeowners to alter the soi! environment so as topromote microbial activity and enhance thatchdecomposition.

Thatch will break down more rapidly if the micro-environment within the thatch favors increased activityof microorganisms. Factors influencing microbial ac-tivity include temperature, moisture, aeration, pH, andinorganic nutrient supply.

Prepared by Norm Hummel, extension turfgrass specialist

74

Cooperative Extension ServiceES Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

Pm-1127 I Reprinted I January 1985

Cultivation by care aerification is a practice that cangreatly improve the micro-environment. Core aerifica-tion involves using a machine that punches a hollowtine into the soil, removing a small soil core. The soil isthen deposited on the surface of the thatch. Thismixing of the soil with thatch improves moisture andtemperature relations. This, plus the improved aeration,increases microorganism activity. Adequate irrigationand fertilization will also increase microbial activity andaid in thatch decomposition.

Core aerification should not be looked upon as amethod of removing large amounts of thatch. Rather, itis most effective as a means of preventing thatch fromdeveloping. Homeowners who have lawns receivinghigh maintenance should seriously consider annualcore aerification.

Mechanical removalThe only effective means of removing large quantitiesof thatch is mechanical removal. Vertical mowing orpower raking is the most common method used.When severe vertical mowing is necessary, at leastthree to four weeks of good growing weather shouldfollow in order for the lawn to recover. In Iowa, early fall

File: Hort & LA 4-1

is the best time to power rake a lawn. Lawns can bepower raked in the spring, however, competition fromannual grasses such as crabgrass will be much greater.If it is necessary to power rake a lawn in spring, besure to follow with an application of a goodpreemergence herbicide to control annual grasses. Donot powe, rake after applying a preemergenceherbicide because the herbicide barrier will be broken.

Applying a light rate of fertilizer following power rakingwill help the grass recover from injury.

Lawns with a serious thatch problem may require asevere power raking each fall until thatch depth is lessthan V2 inch. Then an integrated program cf preventivemethods may be used. If the lawn has more than 11/2inches of thatch, it will be necessary to have the sodstripped off. The lawn may then be reestablished fromseed or sod.

Miracle productsResearch at several universities has shown that"miracle dethatching agents," which can be easilysprayed on a lawn, are ineffective in breaking downthatch.

Cooperative Extension Service. Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating Robert L. Crom, director, Ames, Iowa Distributed infurtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

--- and justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Service 5 p grams and policies areconsistent with pertinent fcueial and state law. and regulations onnon - discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

75ISUP68

\It OrLavvii weed control TG-3-85

horticulture guide

Controlling weeds in turf areas is one of the primaryconcerns of lawn care personnel and homeowners.The methods used for controlling weeds have changeddramatically in the last 20 years with the introductionof modern herbicides. These chemicals allow theselective removal of most weeds from established turfwith minimal risk of injury to the turfgrass. Unfortu-nately, with he advent of chemical control, manypeople have become dependent upon herbicides andoften neglect the cultural strategies developed beforeherbicides were introduced. Weeds in a lawn are oftena sign of a weak turfgrass stand. Merely killing theweeds with a herbicide removes the symptom withoutcuring the cause. This publication is intended to reviewthe principles of maintaining a healthy, competitive turfalong with describing the various methods of weedcontrol. More detailed information regarding many ofthe cultural practices is available in other extensionpublications.

Cultural Weed ControlCultural control strategies are based on producing avigorous stand of turf that will be able to crowd out themajority of weeds. Maintaining a competitive turf is byfar the most important aspect in preventing continualweed problems. Weeds are often the result of impropercultural practices that stress the turfgrass and giveweeds a competitive edge. Improper mowing, poorselec'don or misapplication of fertilizers, heavy trafficresulting in compacted soils, thatch buildup, ordamage to the turf by insects or diseases can lead toweed infestations. Before attempting to control weeds,it is important to identify and correct the problems thathave allowed the weeds to become established in theturf.

Selection of turf species arl cultivars. Grass speciesused in turf have been selected for their ability towithstand foot traffic and frequent mowing. Thesespecies should be able to prevent most weeds frominvading the grassy area when given proper care. Mostturf species used in Iowa are cool-season grasses thatgrow best when temperatures do not exceed 80°EKentucky bluegrass, bentgrass, and tall fescue areexamples of cool-season grasses. Because cool-seasongrasses often undergo heat stress during the summerin Iowa, weeds adapted to high temperatures frequently

become problems. A few warm-season turfgrasses arehardy enough to survive Iowa winters and areoccasionally used in lawns. Zoysiagrass is the mostcommon warm-season species used in Iowa. AlthoughZoysia is better adapted than bluegrass to the hightemperatures occurring during July and August, itremains dormant during much of the spring and fall.

Whenever establishing a lawn or overseeding an area,choose high quality seed of a well-adapted turf speciesto insure rapid establishment and prevent the introduc-tion of weed seeds. Lawn seeding should be doneeither in the early fall or spring to allow the seedlinggrasses to become established before the onset ofsummer.

Refer to Pm-1067, Which Grass Is Best for YourLawn?, and Pm-1072, Establishing a Lawn fromSeed, for more information on turf establishment.

Mowing. Lawns should be mowed regularly so that nomore than one third of the total height is removed on asingle mowing. The optimum height for mowing varieswith different turf species. Kentucky bluegrass performsbest when maintained at 2 to 2.5 inches. It is importantto keep a sharp edge on the mower blade to minimizeinjury to the turf.

Fertilization. Fertilizers provide the nutrients required tomaintain active growth of the turf. Selection of anappropriate product and proper timing of application isessential to gain full benefit from these materials.Fertilizer should be applied to bluegrass and othercool-season species during the spring or fall while theturf is actively growing. Summer fertilization tends topromote weed growth since the turf is unable to utilizethe nutrients.

Refer to Pm-1057, Maintenance Fertilization ofTurfgrasses, for more information on fertilization.

Watering. A homeowner or grounds maintenancesupervisor must make the decision whether to waterthroughout the summer or to allow the turf to go intodormancy. Watering should be infrequent and shouldwet the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Frequent lightwaterings leads to a development of a shallow turf root

Prepared by R. G. Hartz ler, extension weed control associate Cooperative Extension ServiceEs Iowa State University

76 Ames. Iowa 50011

Pm-930 I Revised I January 1985

system and promotes the germination of weed seeds.If irrigation is begun during a dry period, it is importantto continue watering throughout the drought. Severedamage may be done to the turf if irrigation is stoppedmidway through late summer.

Aeration and Dethatching. Turf requires a favorableenvironment in which to establish a vigorous rootsystem. Two problems frequently encountered in theroot zone are compacted soils and thatch accumula-tion. Soils along roads, driveways, and sidewalks oftenbecome compacted and weaken the turf stand.Compacted soils restrict root growth and inhibit oxygenand water movement. The presence of knotweed in alawn is often an indicator of compacted se 's.

Thatch is an accumulation of organic matter at the soilsurface. When thatch exceeds an inch in depth, theroots of the turf may become concentrated in this layer.Because the thatch layer fluctuates widely in tem-perature and moisture levels, it makes a poor rootingmedium.

A wide variety of equipment is available to aerify anddethatch lawns. It is best to use this equipment in thefall since they temporarily thin the turf. The fall timingwill allow the turf :o recover quickly and prevent weedproblems from developing.

Refer to Pm-1055, Tur[grass Renovation, and Pm-1127,Thatch Control in the Home Lawn, for moreinformation on dethatc1-ing.

Mechanical Weed ControlMechanical weed control includes methods that phys-ically remove the undesirable plants. Mowing eliminatesa wide variety of plants, such as velvetleaf andlambsquarters, which have upright growth habits.Manually removing plants by pulling or digging is anefficient means of control in small lawns or when onlya few weeds are present. Perennial weeds that haveextensive root systems may not be controlled unlessthe entire root system is removed.

Chemical Weed ControlAlthough cultural and mechanical measures cangreatly reduce weed problems. it may be necessary attimes to supplement these strategies with herbicides.Careful selection and application of these chemicalscan effectively control a variety of weeds with little riskor injury to the turf or nearby ornamental plants.Herbicides cleared for use by homeowners have beenselected for their low toxicity to humans and otheranimals. However, proper caution should be used whenhandling any pesticide to minimize exposure to theherbicide by the applicator and other people in thearea.

2

Because most herbicides are fairly specific in whichweeds they will kill, the first step in using a herbicide isto identify the weeds present in the turf area. See thesketches of weeds commonly found in turf at the endof this publication. If you are unable to identify theweed, take a sample of the plant to your countyexcension office or to a local garden store. Selecting anappropriate herbicide is impossible until you learn thecorrect identification of the weed.

It is also important to know the life cycle of problemweeds. Annual weeds, such as crabgrass and knot-weed, begin growth each spring from seed and matureat the end of die growing season. Because theseweeds are killed by the first frost, it is usually of littlebenefit to spray these weeds in the fall.

Shepardspurse and pepperweed are winter annualsthat germinate in the late fail and overwinter in animmature stage. They resume growth in the earlyspring and flower before summer. Winter annuals arebest controlled during warm periods in 'ate fall or inearly spring before seedheads develop. Biennialsrequire 2 years to complete their life cycle. Best controlis obtained during the first year of growth whil., theplant forms a basal rosette. The last type cc life cycle isthe perennialthese plants live for more than 2 years.They often are the most difficult type of weed tocontrol because many perennials have extensive rootsystems. Best control of these plants is often obtainedduring the fall after the weeds have recovered from thestress of summer and are storing reserves in their rootsfor the winter.

HerbicidesPreemergence treatnr...nts are used to control annualgrass and broadleaf weeds. They must be appliedbefore the weed seeds germinate and are not effectiveon emerged weeds. With the exception of siduron(Tupersan), most preemergence herbicides will alsoinhibit the emergence of lawn grass seed and cannotbe used simultaneously with lawn grass seeding.

Postemergence treatments are used for the control ofemerged annual, biennial, and perennial weeds.Postemergence controls for annual grasses are notneaily as effective as preemergence controls and hurtbluegrass nearly as much as the weeds whentemperatures are above 85"F. Postemergence control ofboth annual grass and broadleaf weeds should beinitiated early, before the weeds are much beyond theseedling stage, that is one- to three-leaf stage forgrasses or five- to seven-leaf stage for broadleaf weeds.The effectiveness of postennergence chemicals isreduced as weeds become larger.

77

Postemergence treatments for the control of biennialand perennial weeds are generally most effective whenapplied in spring to early summer or fall. Wheneverpossible, fall applications are preferred to spring orsummer applications because of the much lower riskof injury from herbicide spray or vapor drift ontodesirable ornamental and garden plants. Dicamba(Banvel) and ester formulations of 2,4-D and MCPP willvaporize under the higher temperature and humidityconditions of May, June, and July. By restricting springand summer applications to spot treatments and usingnonvolatile amine salt formulations of 2,4-D and MCPP,the risk of injury to, desirable plants in both your andyour neighbors yards will be reduced.

Herbicides may be classified into one of two typesdepending on their effect on plants: contact (non-selective) or systemic.

Contact herbicides kill only the portion of the plantwetted by the spray solution. Due to the lack ofmovement of the herbicide in the plant, it is importantto get good spray coverage. Best control is obtainedwhen weeds are sprayed while they are small. Contactherbicide: are not effective against perr.iinials. Para-quat, Basagran, Buctril, and DSMA are contactherbicides registered for use in turf.

Systemic herbicides are absorbed by plant roots orabove-ground parts and are translocated throughoutthe plant. They are either selective (kill weeus withoutharming desirable grasses) or non-selective (kill allplants). 2,4-D and MCPP are selective systemicherbicides useful in controlling many broadleaf weedsthat invade turf. Glyphosate (Roundup or Kleenup) is anon-selective systemic herbicide capable of killingnearly all plants with which it comes in contact.Glyphosate is useful in eradicating quackgrass, tallfescue, and other weeds that cannot be controlledselectively. The chemical has no soil persistence andtreated areas can be tilled and reseeded 7 days afterapplication.

Herbicide Formulations andActive IngredientsThe formulation of a herbicide is designated by aW,L,E,G, or DF in the product name. W refers to awettable powder; L refers to a liquid (water dispersiblesuspension or water soluble liquid); E refers to anemulsifiable concentrate; G refers to a granular; DFrefers to a dry flowable or water dispersible granule.

Herbicide recommendations are often given as poundsof active ingredient per acre or ounces per 1,000square feet. The active ingredient (a.i.) is the pact of achemical formulation that produces herbicidal effects.

78

The numbers that precede the letter designation forformulation in the product name atnote the percentactive ingredient or pounds of active ingredient pergallon in the formulation. For example, a 5% granularformulation (5G) herbicide . _ ntains 5% active ingre-dients; 20 pounds of material are required to yield 1pound of active ingredient. Treatment of 1 acre with a5% granular herbicide at the rate of 2 pounus activeingredient per acre requires 40 pounds cf granularmaterial per acre, or approximately 0.9 pound ofgranular material per 1,000 square feet (1 acre =43,560 sq. ft.).

Liquid formulations generally give active ingredients aspounds per gallon (lbs. a.i./gal) rather than as apercent of the formulation. For example, 2,4-D isgenerally formulated as 4 lbs. a.i./gal; therefore, anapplication of 1 pound per acre of this formulationrequires 1 quart of liquid for each acre covered.

Sprayer Calibration

Compressed Air Sprayers1. Measure 1,000 square feet of turf (a block 20 x50 feet or equivalent), using twine to outline the block.(Most dosage recommendations are made for1,000 square feet of area.)2. Pour into the sprayer a measured amount of water(for example, 3 gallons).3. Pump up the sprayer to a reasonable pressure(On a 2- or 3-gallon sprayer, 40 to 50 full strokes ofthe pump are suggested.)4. Open ti-, cut-off valve and walk at a reasonablepace over the measured area untl all the surface iscovered.5. Release the air pressure and measure the amount ofwater left in the tank.6. Subtract the amount left in the tank (step 5) fromthe amount placed in the sprayer to find the amountused in spraying 1,000 square feet.

ExampleIf 3 gallons are put in a sprayer and 2 ga:luns are left,1 gallon is used to cover 1,000 square feet.

The amount found in step 6 is the base for figuringhow much chemica: to use in each gallon of waterwhen you actually spray. The actual amount of waterused is not important, but whatever the amount, itmust be a known quantity. If the suggested rate ofchemical is 2 ounces per 1,000 square feet, you mix2 ounces for each gallon of water the sprayer will hold.From our example, a 3-gallon sprayer will take 6ounces cf chemical. (Ounces per 1,000 square feetcan be converted to pounds per acre by the factor2.72; 2 ounces per 1,000 square feet x 2.72 =5.41 pounds per acre.)

3

Dry Spreaders1. Measure a runway 100 feet long. Multiply the widthof the spreader by 100 to determine square footage ofthe test area.2. Calculate the amount of material to be applied tothis test area. (If test area is 300 square feet and labelrecommends 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet, thespreader should be calibrated to apply 1.5 pounds ontest area.)3. Tape a sheet of paper under hopper to catchgranules. Allow enough clearance for the material todrop freely4. Open the feed and walk over the runway.5. Carefully remove the paper and weigh the materialcaught under spreader.6. Adjust spreader and repeat steps 3 through 5 untilthe proper amount (Step 2) is caught.

Note: In order to ensure uniform application, it isimportant for the applicator to maintain a steadywalking speed,

General Considerations for EffectiveHerbicide UseMost herbicides do not act immediately, and theireffects may not be observed for several days or weeks.Herbicides should be applied at recommended rates toprevent burning off the above-ground plant tissuebefore the herbicide can be transiocated into the rootsystem. Lower rates w!th repeated applications areoften most effective for controlling perennial weeds.

The use of 2,4-D in the vicinity of flower beds,ornamental shrubs, aild home gardens may causeconsiderable damage. An line and other low volatileformulations of 2,4-D and related herbicides arerecommended for home lawns. Herbicides should besprayed at low pressure during days of minimal or nowind to insure against drift

Dicamba should be used only when it is necessary tokill a persistent weed species. Dicamba is active in thesoil and should not be used within the root zone oftrees and shrubs because injury may result. Restrictuse to spot treatments.

Sprayer CafeAlways drain and rinse the sprayer tank with water, thenpartially refill and flush through the nozzles after eachspraying, regardless of the chemical used. To clean2,4-D or other growth-regulator type herbicides, adddetergent to the flushing solution or use a 0.3%activated charcoal suspension or a 5% householdammonia solution. Rinse sprayer for 2 to 3 minuteswith the activated charcoal suspension. Allow de-tergents and ammonia solutions to stand overnight.Drain and rinse thoroughly.

4

A single sprayer should not be used for growthregulators, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.A separate sprayer should be used for herbicides,especially 2,4-D type herbicides.

Herbicides for illuurf UseThe lawn weed control guides in the following sectionsprovide the latest recommendations for chemicalcontrol of lawn weeds. Herbicide rate recommenda-tions are given in pounds of active ingredient per acre(Ibia.i./acre). Read the label to determine the amountof product that should be used.

Particulai attention should always be given to readingand following label instructions before a product isused. Only certified knowledgeable applicators maypurchase and apply restricted use pesticides.

Annual grasses (crabgrass, foxtail,goosegrass)Preemergence herbicides. For crabgrass and foxtail control, thefollowing herbicides should be applied in April or early May beforeforsythia blossoms begin to fall. Applications for goosegrass controlmay be delayed 2 to 3 weeks. Only siduron may be used at the timeof reseeding. These herbicides have no effect on established weeds;they must be applied prior to seed gemination. These products areoften available in combination with fertilizer products.

RateChemical (lb. WA) Remarks

benefin 1.5.2(Balan)

bensulide 10-12.5(Betasan)

DCPA 10

(Dacthal)

oxadiazon 2-4(Ronstar G)

siduron 2-12(Tupersan)

Not recommended for use onbentgrass. Do not reseed until at least6 weeks after application.

Do not reseed until 4 months afterapplication.

Do not reseed until 60 days afterapplication. Many DCPA products arecleared fr around ornamentalsand gardt. ..ints.

Do not use on zoysia or bentgrass.Do not apply to wet turf.

May be used on newly seeded orestablished turf.

Postemerg .tnce control. The organic arsenicals, DSMA or MSMA(Ortho Crabgrass Killer, Bueno 6. WeedE-Rad). are registered forcontrol of crabgrass and other annual grasses after they havebecome established. Best control is obtained when applied whilecrabgrass is small and actively growing. A second application 7 to 10days after the first treatment may be required for complete control.Temporary discoloration of turfgrass may occur.

Perennial grasses (tall fescue, nlinblewill,quackgrdss)No selective herbicides are available for control of perennial grasses.Glyphosate (Roundup, Kleenup) can be used as a spot treatment tocontrol weedy grassesglyphosate will also kill the desirableturfgrass. Apply Roundup at rate of 1 to 3 lb. aVA or as a 1 to 1.5%solution for spit treatment.

79

Annual and perennial broadleaf weeds2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba are the most commonly used herbicidesfor broadleaf weed control. These chemicals eve similar in activity,but vary slightly in their spectrum of control. Care must be taken toavoid contacting omamentals or garden plants with tiese com-pounds. Most products available to the homeowner consist of amixture of two or three of these products. If a combination of growth-1gulator herbicides Is used, the amount of the individual products isnormally reduced.

ChemicalRate(lb. ai/A) Remarks

2,4-D I-11/2 Do not use on bentgrass at ratesused v hen applied alone. Amineformulations are less volatile thanesters which reduce risk of injury tonearby nontarget plants. Effectiveagainst danddions and plantains.

MCPP 1 -2 'hemically related to 2,4D, exceptmore effective against chickweed andcertain other broadleaves. Safer onbentgrass than 2.4D. Usually sold incombination with 2,4D.

2A-DP 3/4- I Normally sold in combination with2,4-D. Products containing 2,4-DP arefor use by professional personnelrather than homeowners.

dicamba ii,_ I Used fo- control of weeds tolerant to2AD did MCPP, Dicamba is highlyvolatile and injurious to omamentalplants. Avoid application under driplines of trees. Usually applied incombination with 2,4D and/or MCPPto allow reduction of rate.

Weed Response to Broadleaf Herbicides.'

bromoxynil 037-0.5 Bromoxynil is a contact herbicide(Brominal ME4 effective only against small annualor Buctril 2E) broadleaf weeds. May be used on

seedling turf when turf height exceeds2 inches.

The following products contain a mixture of two or three of theabove herbicides. These combinations provide a broader spectrumof weed control than obtained with a single product. Combinationsalso allow reduction of rates of the individual herbicides that maydecrease risk of damaging turf or nearby omamentals.

2,4-D + MCPP (WeedB-Gone)

2,4-D + MCPP + dicamba

2AD + 2,4-DP

2,4-D + 2,4DP + dicamba

(WeedNoMore, Spectrum 33Plus, Trimec BroadleafHerbicide)

(Weedone WPC)

(Trimec Turf Ester)

Yellow nutsedgeYellow nutsedge Is a perennial with a growth habit similar to grasses.It can be distinguished from grasses by its triangular stem. Bestresults are obtained if treated while small and actively growing.

RateChemical (lb. ai/A) Remarks

bentazon 1 -2

(Basagran)

DSMA 2

Apply before nutsedge reaches 8inches in height Repeat applicationsprobably will be necessary. BasagranIs not widely available to the home-owner.

Apply while nutsedge is small andactively growing. Repeat applicationswill be reouired. Better control maybe obtained when applied in com-bination with 2,4D.

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Life cycle2 A P P I, P A A P AP A

2,4 -D' F F P E F F F E P P

2.4-D + 2,4-DP E E G-E E F-G G G E F G-E.

MCPP E E G F F F G F P P

dicamba E E E F F-G G-E G F F-G F

bromoxynil G P P P P G G P F-G G

'Control: P = Poor, F= Fair, G = Good, E=Excellent2Life cycle: A=Annual, P =Perennial.32.4-D. MCPP, and dicamba may be purchased separately or in pre-mixed combination products. 2,4 DP Is only available In combination with2.4-D.

80

IIIMINN1

5

)

Broad leaved Weeds

Common Chickweed

Thyme-Leaf Speedwell

Ground Ivy(Creeping Charlie)

Broadleaf Plantain

Woo dsorrel

Mouseear Chickweed

Corn Speedwell

Field Bindweed(Creeping Jenny)

LarnbsquartersSi

Knotweed

Henbit

Common Mallow

;udthom Plantain

Annual Grasses

Crabgrass Goosegrass Foxtall

Perennial Grasses

Quackgrass Nimblewell

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Sedges

Yellow Nutsedge

Material provided courtesy of The O. M. Scott & SonsCompany. Copyrighted. Not for publication withoutpermission of Scotts.

File: Hort 4-1

Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agnculturecooperating Robert L Crom, director, Ames, Iowa Distributed infurtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

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411: and Justice for allThe Iowa Cooperative Extension Service s programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon-discnmination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Format 068

%

4 horticulture guideWarm season annual grass weed control in lawns

There are three warm-season annualgrasses that are generally problemspecies in Iowa lawns. They arecrabgrass, foxtail, and goosegrass. Tocontrol them involves the understandingof the following:

* Weeds life cycle.* Environmental conditions that

influence weed growth.

* Cultural practices that affect weedgrowth.

* Herbicides used to control the weeds.

Being an annual, each grass willcomplete its life cycle in one year.They reproduce by seed from late springthrough the summer. Each will die withthe first killing frost.

Being a warm season plant, they growvigorously throughout the summer, andgrowth slows or stops during cool weatherin the late summer and early fall.

Crabgrass (Digitaria sp.)) Crabgrassis the most prevalent annual grass weedfound in Iowa lawns. There are twospecies of crabgrass that are found inthe 'awn: smooth crEhgrass (Digitariaisct ,emun) and large crabgrass (Digitaria

sanquinalis). Smooth crabgrass tends tobe smaller, less hairy, and has apurplish color on the stem. Both specieshave a light green color and a prostrategrowtil habit which roots at the nodes.Seedheads will appear as finger-likeprojections at the top of the uprightstem. Seeds of both species will beginto germinate when the soil temperaturesreach 55 to 60 °F. This is generally mid-April in southern Iowa, early May incentral Iowa, and mid to late May innorthern Iowa. Moisture and light areboth required for germination and growthand crabgrass infestations are generallylimited to sunny areas in the lawn.

Foxtail (Setaria sp.): There are twospcies of foxtail vhi^h can be found in

the lawn: yellow foxtail (Setarialutescens) and green foxtail (Setariaviridis). Yellow and green foxtail areoften mistaken for crabgrass in the earlystages of growth. They can bedistinguished from crabgrass by theirbunch-type, semi-erect growth habit.Yellow foxtail is more persistent thangreen foxtail and occurs mostly in newlyseeded lawns< Foxtail seeds germinatewhen soil temperatures reach of exceed65 °F. This is generally one to two weekslater than crabgrass seed germination.While germination is best when light andmoisture are present; the light criteriais not as important as it is forcrabgrass since foxtail will invadethick, dense lawns.

GooseErass (Eleusine indica):Goosegrass or silver crabgrass has a

prostrate growth habit that does not rootat the nodes. Growth occurs as a rosetteof thick stems with a whitish basal area.Seedheads occur as spikes that radiatefrom the top of the stem. Goosegrassseeds germinate when the soiltemperatures reach 60 to 65 F. This isgenerally one to two weeks later thancrabgrass seed germination. Goosegrassrequires light and moisture forgermination and growth. It is mostcompetitive in thin open turfs that aresubjected to intense traffic and is agood indicator of compacted soils.Goosegrass is mostly found in thesouthern part of Iowa.

Cultural practices which enhance warmseason annual grass weed competitionincLude close mowing, summerfertilization, and frequent irrigation.Close mowing weakens the turf and opensit up to light penetration, therebyincreasing the incidence of weedgermination. As a general rule, mowKentucky bluegrass lawns at 2 to 3 incheson a weekly basis. It is important to

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Cooperative Extension ServiceIowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

FG-401 ',April 1985

remove no more than one-third of the leafarea with any mowing. Nutrients appliedduring the summer months are used more bythe weeds and less by the desirableturfgrass species. These weeds are warmseason plants, thus they grow best duringthe summer months. Kentucky bluegrass isa cool season species. It grows bestduring the spring and fall. For properfertilization, the reader is referred toPm-1057, Maintenance Fertilization ofTurfgrasses. Light frequent irrigationnot only encourages we-J seed germinationbut also a shallow root system. A plantwith a shallow root system is more proneto environmental stresses. Since thedesirable turfgrass species are cool-season species, they will be lesscompetitive during the summer.Irrigating deeply and infrequentlyencourages a deep root system which willenable the desirable turfgrass species tobe more competitive.

Warm season annual grass weeds can becontrolled preemergently andpcstemergently. The preemergenceherbicides tint are labeled for annualgrass weed control are listed in Table 1.These chemicals need to be applied priorto weed seed germination. It isimportant to water in the herbicide,which results in a chemical barrier toseed germination. For continual control,benefin and DCPA may require a secondapplication at half 'cites 5 to 6 weeksafter the initial treatment. Bensulideand DCPA can be applied to a turf thatwas established the previous fall, whileoxadiazon and benefin should only beapplied to established lawns. Benefin,DCPA, and oxadiazon should not be used onbentgrass. In addition, somepreemergence herbicides have shown injuryto fine fescues. The herbicideeffectivenss may be decreased byexcessive rainfall.

The postemergent herbicides which arelabeled for warm season annual grass weedcontrol are the organic arsericals (Table2). Best control is obtained whenapplied while plants are small andactively growing. A second application 7to 10 days after the first treatment maybe required for complete control.Treatment should be made on days when the

temperatures will not exceed 85°F. Evenso, some discoloration of the desirableturf may result from application. Whentemperatures are below 80°F, rates needto be increased.

One final note -- postemergenceherbicides are less effective and harderto use than preemergence herbicides.

Table 1. Preemergent herbicides forannual grass weed control.

Chemical Names

Benefin

Bensulide

DCPA

Oxadiazon

2endamethalin

Brand Name(s)

Balan

Betamac-4PltasanLescosnPre-san

Dacthal

Ronstar-G

ProturfWeedgrass Control

Ta.dle 2. Pc_,,wergentannual grass

herbicides forweed control.

Chemical Names

DSMA

MSMA

Brand Name(s)

Ansar

DSMA liquidDSMA 81%Methar 3DWeed-E-Rad

AnsarAnsarBroadsideWeed-Hoe

Prepared by Michael Agnew, extensionturfgrass specialist.

Cy3 and jvatIce for al!The Iowa CooperatiVe Extension Service's programs and policiesareconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon-discnmination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Cocperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science. aidTechnology and the United States Department of Agr 'ulturecooperating. Robert L. Crom, director, Ames, Iowa. Distnbutec' .

. furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 191

85

S

0;4441 I4.41 mew

Seeding the lawn in spring

TG-1241.5

horticulture guide

When possible lawns should be seededin the fall. However, there arecircumstances which warrant springseeding. For instance, the owner of anewly completed home may not want to waituntil fall to seed the lawn.

Most of the species that we use asturfgrasses in Iowa are cool seasongrasses. They are grasses which do bestwhen temperatures are on the cool side,from 60 to 75 °F. nese grasses will growwhen temperatures reach 90 and above,but their rate of growth will be greatlyreduced. They will also becomeestablished after seeding much morerapidly if temperatures are cool.

In Iowa, suitable temperatures for thegrowth and development of cool seasongrasses occur in the spring and fall.While the best time to seed is in thelate summer and early fall, seeding ispossible in spring. However, it isgenerally not recommended. The reasonsfor this are based primarily on soiltemperature differences between springand fall and on the differences in thetype of weed infestations whicn occur inthe two seasons. Iowa soils are alsoeasier to work with in fall than inspring.

Seeds require a certain minimum soiltemperature before they will germinate.For the cool season turfgrass species,this temperature is approximately 55-59°F. In the late summer and early fall,soil temperatures are generally higherthan 55 F and usually do not go belowthat temperature until late in the fall.This means that seeds planted in latesummer, if given sufficient moisture,will germinate rapidly and will have a

lung period of suitable temperatures tobecome well establ-shed. In springy soiltemperatures are generally below 55 F anddo not warm up to this minimumtemperature till mid to late May. Seedsj,crminate slowly in the spring and have

only a short period of ideal temperaturesbefore summer heat stress begins.

When a turfgrass area is seeded, it isgenerally assumed that the best possiblecon,itions will be provided for thegermination of seed. It should beremembered, however, that the bestconditions for the germination ofturfgrass seeds are also generally thebest conditions for the germination ofmany problem lawn weeds. The weedspecies which have seed: that germinatein the fall are primarily broadleaves.These weeds can be removed from turfgrassareas with selectivepostemergen'herbicides such as 2,4-D as soon as theturf is fully established. The weedseeds which germinate in the spring arethose of the grassy annuals such ascrabgrass and goosegrass. if these weedsbecome established in the spring, youhave to put up with them until the nextseason.

Procedure for Spring Seeding

1. Obtain a soil sample and have ittested for pH, phosphorus (P), andpotassium (K). Then add fertilizeraccording to the recommendations on thesoil test report. If a soil test is notpossible, add 2 lbs each of nitrogen,1:)10 and K

20/1000 sq ft. Till the

fertilizer into the upper 4-6 inches ofthe seedbed.

2. Level the ieedbed and apply additionalfertilizer it a rate of 1/2 lb ofnitrogen and 1 lb P205/1000 sq ft to thesurface. (Any good starter fertilizer,used as directed, will be suitable.)3. Apply the seed to the soil surface ata rate approximately 25% above thastandard recommended rate for thatspecies. Example: For a Kentuckybluegrass lawn, the standardrecommendation for seeding would be 1 1/2lb/1000 sq rt. For a sprint seeding, use

86

Cooperative Extension ServiceEl Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

FG-400 I April '985

2 lbs/1000 sq ft. Kentucky bluegrassseed will not germinate until soiltemperatures have reached a minimum of59 °F.

4. Mulch the area with clean (wee°free) straw. This will help keep thesoil moist, conserve moisture, andprevent erosion. One bale of straw per1000 sq ft will give a light mulchcovering that will not have to be removedafter germination.

Remember that the soil is going tohave to warm up to at least 55 -59 °Fbefore the seed will germinate. Seedplanted in early April will germinate nosooner than seed planted in early May.

An additional precaution that shouldbe taken with spring seeding is to usethe herbicide siduron, which is theactive ingredient of many crabgrasspreventer/starter fertilizer materials.Siduron is a member of a group ofpreemergence herbicides which have thecapability of killing seedlings of suchspecies as crabgrass as they emerge from

the soil in the spring without damagingthe germinating turfgrass seedlings.Unfortunately, most of these preemergentskill the seeds of the cool seasonturfgrasses and cannot be used at thetime of seeding. Siduron is the onlyexception. Siduron can be applied withbluegrass, fescues, and ryegrass at thetime of seeding. The seedlings ofcrabgrass, foxtail, and barnyard grasswill be selectively controlled and thedesirable grasses will remain unaffecteL.Siduron should be applied at the time ofseeding, prior to mulching, and should beactivated with 1/2 inch of water within 3days of application. Once the barrier ofsiduron has been established, the soilshould not be further disturbed.Wherever the barpier is broken, annualweeds will emerge.

Prepared by Nick Christians, associateprofessor, and Michael Agnew, extensionturfgrass specialist.

and justice for all

The Iowa Cooperative Extension Service's programs and policies areconsistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations onnon-discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex,age, and handicap.

Cooperative Extension Service. Iowa State University cf Science andTechnology and the United States Department of Agriculturecooperating. Robert L. Crom, director, Am9s, Iowa. istnuoted infurtherance of the Acts of Congr'ss of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

87