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THE IMPACT OF FERTILITY AND MOWING HEIGHT ON WEED POPULATION IN TALL FESCUE TURF

Applied Research

Philip Blevins
Crop and Soil Science
ABINGDON

Abstract

\r\n Mowing height and fertility management are major factors affecting weed population in urban lawns in Southwest, Virginia. Four mowing heights (1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches) were evaluated within three fertility treatments. The fertility treatments were low (no additional fertilizer after establishment), medium (1 lb/1,000 ft2 N in the fall and 0.5 lb/1,000 ft2 N in the spring), and high (1 lb/1,000 ft2 N 2X in the fall and 0.5 lb/1,000 ft2 N 2X in the spring). Plots were seeded with the tall fescue variety Falcon III on August 25, 2008. Plots were mowed with a rotary push type mower weekly (spring into fall). The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block with a split plot arrangement of treatments. Whole plots were fertility levels and sub-plots were mowing height. Weed population ratings were analyzed using ANOVA techniques and means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD, α= 0.05). Weed population was statistically different for all fertility treatments with weed population decreasing as fertility level increased. Mowing heights of 1.5 and 2.0 inches were not statistically different from each other but were statistically different from the 3.0 and 4.0 inch treatments (which were not statistically different from each other). This study suggests that fertility and mowing height can be useful in reducing weed populations and improving turf quality while reducing herbicide treatments. Low and medium fertility levels and mowing heights of 2.0 inches or less (in tall fescue) result in significant increases in weed population over time.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: P.K. Blevins
  1. Blevins, P. Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Washington County, Virginia, 24210