scholarly journals Late Fall and Winter Nitrogen Fertilization of Turfgrass in Two Pacific Northwest Climates

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 1745-1749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric D. Miltner ◽  
Gwen K. Stahnke ◽  
William J. Johnston ◽  
Charles T. Golob

Late fall N fertilization of cool-season turfgrass in northern climates is a common practice. Previous research has been focused in climates where freezing temperatures prevail. Research in more moderate northern climates where turf may not go through winter dormancy is scarce. Four fertilizer N sources and an untreated control were applied in four different months (November, December, January, or February) to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in Puyallup, Wash., and to kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) In Pullman, Wash., to compare their effects in moderate (Puyallup) and freezing (Pullman) winter climates. In Pullman, only November applications of ammonium sulfate (AmS) or polymer coated sulfur coated urea (PCSCU) enhanced winter turfgrass quality. In Puyallup, November or December application of AmS, PCSCU, or polymer coated urea (PCU) resulted in enhanced winter quality. Polymer coated urea yielded a delayed initial response and a longer residual effect in the spring. Isobutylidenediurea (IBDU) did not improve winter turf quality in either Pullman or Puyallup. Although there was no quality response following January fertilizer application, there was suppression of red thread [Laetisaria fuciformis (McAlpine) Burds.] symptoms in Puyallup, indicating N uptake. Late fall fertilizer N in eastern Washington should be confined to November, using soluble or more quickly available slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. The application window can be extended to December in western Washington, and more slowly available coated ureas can be effectively used.

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1203-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Zhang ◽  
M. Nyborg ◽  
S.S. Malhi

Coating of conventional urea with polymers is designed to improve N availability to crops. A field experiment was conducted from 1993 to 1994 on turfgrass at Ellerslie, Alta., Canada, to determine release rates of coated urea applied on turfgrass thatch surface, and the effect of coated urea application on growth, color, and N uptake of turfgrass. The experiment was established on existing stands of a mixture of `Merion' Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and `Gennuina' creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) growing on a Black Chernozemic (Typic Cryoboroll) soil. The annual rate of N application was 100 kg·ha-1 in 1993 and 1994. The release rate of urea fertilizers was determined by the weight loss of the fertilizer granules after application in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinders inserted into the turfgrass thatch. Some coated urea fertilizers released most of their N within the growing season (e.g., Sherritt-G, Polyon 4%, and SulfurKote), while others released only half their N (e.g., Esso T-90 and Meister 7), probably because of the cool ambient summer temperature in the area. The growth and color of turfgrass were more uniform in some controlled-release fertilizer treatments (e.g., Esso T-90, Meister 7, Polyon 4%, and SulfurKote) than in noncoated urea and NH4NO3 treatments. Promotion of growth in 1994 as a residual effect of the 1993 controlled-release urea fertilizer application was also noted. The results suggest that the application of some controlled-release urea fertilizers (with 70- to 90-day release rates) can produce the most consistent quality turfgrass.


2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-43
Author(s):  
Jen Owens ◽  
Haibo An ◽  
Brian Beres ◽  
Ramona Mohr ◽  
Xiying Hao

This study tested if non-winter cumulative nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, emission factors, and yield-scaled N2O emissions were affected by split application of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers in a rain-fed winter wheat crop. Based on initial soil tests, fertilizers were applied at 84 kg N ha−1 in year 1 and 72 kg N ha−1 in year 2. Two trials were completed each year. Trial 1 applied (1) urea, (2) urea with nitrification inhibitor, (3) nitrification and urease inhibitors, and (4) polymer-coated urea as (1) 100% side-banded at planting, 30% side-banded at planting and (2) 70% surface-applied in late fall, or (3) 70% surface-applied in spring at Feekes growth stage 4 (GS4). Trial 2 applied (1) urea–ammonium nitrate (UAN), (2) UAN treated with nitrification inhibitor, (3) urease inhibitor, (4) a combination of both, (5) granular urea, and (6) polymer-coated urea, all applied 50% side-banded at planting and 50% surface-applied at GS4. Cumulative N2O emissions from fertilized soils ranged from 0.101 to 0.433 kg N ha−1. The emission factors for trial 1 were greater in year 1 than year 2 (P ≤ 0.05). There were no treatment differences in cumulative N2O emissions in trial 2. However, cumulative N2O emissions, emission factors, and yield-scaled N2O emissions from trial 1 were higher when fertilizer was split-applied in late fall compared with at GS4 (all P ≤ 0.05). This study demonstrates that under best management practices, it is better to apply the required rate in the form of conventional fertilizer at planting rather than split application.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
J. J. Frazão ◽  
A. R. Silva ◽  
F. H. M. Salgado ◽  
R. A. Flores ◽  
E. P. F. Brasil

The increase of the efficiency of the nitrogen fertilization promotes reduction of the applied dose and decreases the losses of nitrogen (N) to the environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield and the relative chlorophyll index (IRC) in cabbage crop under cover fertilization, using enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, compared to urea, in variable doses. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 3x4+1 factorial scheme (three sources, four rates and control), with four replications. The N sources used were: common urea (U), urea treated with urease inhibitor NBPT® (UN) and Kimcoat® polymer coated urea (UK). The N rates used were 0, 40, 80, 160 and 320 kg ha-1, divided in two fertilizations at 20 and 40 days after transplantation. Up to 160 kg ha-1 of N, there was no difference between N sources and N rates for both yield and RCI. The enhanced-efficiency N sources (UN and UK) promoted higher averages compared to common urea, possibly due to the higher N losses from common urea. Thus, the use of urease inhibitors or polymers associated with urea is a promising strategy to improve cabbage yield, as well as reducing N losses to the environment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thais Antolini Veçozzi ◽  
Rogério Oliveira de Sousa ◽  
Walkyria Bueno Scivittaro ◽  
Cristiano Weinert ◽  
Victor Raul Cieza Tarrillo

ABSTRACT: A study was conducted to evaluate the solubilization and nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) of controlled release nitrogen fertilizers in irrigated rice, compared to urea. It was developed under semi-controlled conditions, including five treatments: Control, Splitted Urea (pre-sowing and topdressing), Pre-sowing urea, and Polymer Coated Urea (PCU) with 60-day and 90-day release. PCUs did not maintain high NH4 + and NO3 - levels in solution over a longer period than urea. NUE of PCUs was similar to uncoated urea, not increasing nutrient release in irrigated rice field.


2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1200-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Zavaschi ◽  
Letícia de Abreu Faria ◽  
Godofredo Cesar Vitti ◽  
Carlos Antonio da Costa Nascimento ◽  
Thiago Augusto de Moura ◽  
...  

A form of increasing the efficiency of N fertilizer is by coating urea with polymers to reduce ammonia volatilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of polymer-coated urea on the control of ammonia volatilization, yield and nutritional characteristics of maize. The experiment was carried out during one maize growing cycle in 2009/10 on a Geric Ferralsol, inUberlândia, MG, Brazil. Nitrogen fertilizers were applied as topdressing on the soil surface in the following urea treatments: polymer-coated urea at rates of 45, 67.5 and 90 kg ha-1 N and one control treatment (no N), in randomized blocks with four replications. Nitrogen application had a favorable effect on N concentrations in leaves and grains, Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter readings and on grain yield, where as coated urea had no effect on the volatilization rates, SPAD readings and N leaf and grain concentration, nor on grain yield in comparison to conventional fertilization.


HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 1545-1549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. Lloyd ◽  
Douglas J. Soldat ◽  
John C. Stier

Fall fertilization of turfgrass in northern climates is often considered to be agronomically beneficial, although research on nitrogen (N) uptake during cold temperatures is sparse and environmental concerns exist regarding nitrate leaching. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate N uptake potential, use, and plant metabolic response in a climate-controlled environment evaluating the responses of various cool-season turfgrass species to variable N rates and temperature regimens. Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and annual bluegrass (Poa annua var. reptans L.) were seeded and grown for 3 months and then acclimated in a growth chamber to one of three climate regimens corresponding to 15 Sept., 15 Oct., and 15 Nov. in Madison, WI. Grasses were fertilized at 0, 25, 49, or 98 kg·ha−1 N with 15N-labeled ammonium sulfate (10 atom % 15N) by applying a liquid solution of 75 mL per pot (1 cm of solution in depth). Data collected included verdure biomass, root mass, net canopy photosynthesis, and 15N fertilizer uptake. For all turfgrass species, shoot growth increased in response to N application in the September regimen, but not in October or November regimens. N uptake was significantly lower in the November regimen compared with September with an average of 73% of fertilizer recovery in September compared with 57% and 38% in October and November, respectively. Root mass and net canopy photosynthesis were greatest in the November treatments, although these responses were generally unaffected by N application rate. The results of this study indicate that N uptake capacity is greatly reduced as average daily temperatures approach 0 °C. Nitrogen application rates should be adjusted downward to maximize uptake efficiency in cold temperatures.


1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 607-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Bittman ◽  
D. H. McCartney ◽  
J. Waddington ◽  
P. R. Horton ◽  
W. F. Nuttall

Little is known about the effects of long-term application of fertilizer on the complex pasture swards of the Aspen Parkland region of western Canada. Experiments were conducted, lasting from 1980 to 1992, on five contrasting swards representative of permanent pastures in northeast Saskatchewan to determine the long-term effects of N, P, K and S fertilizer on herbage yield and species composition. The experimental swards consisted primarily of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L), and creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.), in varying amounts. Seven fertilizer treatments were applied at each site from 1980 to 1991 (shown as N-P-K-S in kg ha−1): 0-0-0-0, 45-0-0-0, 45-20-0-0, 90-0-0-0, 90-20-0-0, 90-20-50-20, 180-20-0-0. Another treatment (90-20-0-20) was added in 1984. An area within each plot was protected from grazing with wire exclosures and harvested in July and September. Harvested samples were classified according to coarse-leafed grasses (mostly smooth bromegrass), fine-leafed grasses (mostly Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescue), legumes and weeds before drying and weighing. Ground cover composition of all plots was measured by a modified line transect technique in 1980, 1987 and 1992. All swards, regardless of species composition, responded positively to fertilizer. The yield increase obtained from applying 45 or 90 kg N ha−1 (0.8 and 0.7 t ha−1, respectively) was more than doubled by adding 20 kg P ha−1 with the N. Nitrogen applied alone did not affect the proportion of bromegrass but increased the proportion of fine grasses in the herbage; adding N and P increased the proportion of coarse grass and at the expense of fine grasses. With respect to sward composition, N decreased the proportion of bromegrass and increased the proportion of bluegrass and fescue whereas adding N and P had the opposite effect. Application of S increased yield 0.9 to 1.8 t ha−1 and greatly increased the proportion of bromegrass in the sward and the harvested herbage of the three sites with low levels of soil S. The residual effect of the N and P treatments on yield was small but the effect on species composition of the herbage was substantial; S produced a residual effect on yield in 1992 and a large residual effect on species composition. The results indicate the need for balanced nutrient application to enhance yield and maintain or improve sward species composition of pastures in the Aspen Parkland. Fertilizer can be used to improve yield on a wide range of sward types. Key words: Bromegrass, Bromus inermis, bluegrass, Poa pratensis, fescue, Festuca rubra, legume, N, P, K, S, grazing, species diversity


2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chedzer-Clarc Clément ◽  
Athyna N. Cambouris ◽  
Noura Ziadi ◽  
Bernie J. Zebarth ◽  
Antoine Karam

Residual soil NO3-N (RSN) is susceptible to loss during the non-growing season. This 5 yr study investigated the effects of three N fertilizer sources [ammonium nitrate (AN), ammonium sulfate (AS), and polymer-coated urea (PCU)] applied at four rates (60, 120, 200, and 280 kg N ha−1) plus an unfertilized control on RSN following potato production and on overwinter NO3-N changes in an irrigated sandy soil in Quebec, Canada. Composite soil samples were collected at the 0–15, 15–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm depths immediately after potato harvest in fall and again in the following spring from 2008 to 2012. Residual soil NO3-N content within the 0–30 cm depth (RSN0–30) was highly correlated with the RSN content in the 0–90 cm depth (RSN0–90), indicating that RSN0–30 can be used as an indicator of soil profile NO3-N accumulation. Overall, RSN0–90 increased with fertilizer N application rate, particularly for above the minimum fertilizer N rate required to maximize yield (Nmax), and was generally higher for years with greater pre-plant soil NO3-N. The split application of AN and AS resulted in lower RSN0–90 than the single application of PCU at above Nmax. Overwinter losses of soil NO3-N were generally increased with increasing RSN0–90 in fall. The results suggest that reducing the fertilizer N rate is more important than the choice of N source in managing RSN.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 611
Author(s):  
Alex J. Lindsey ◽  
Adam W. Thoms ◽  
Nick E. Christians

Sports field traffic tolerance is critical for offering athletes a safe playing surface and adequate turfgrass performance. Humic substances act as bio-stimulants that could enhance turfgrass traffic tolerance by increasing turfgrass efficiency, which could be due to increased root growth, antioxidant activity, and/or physiological health. A two-year field experiment was conducted on a Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sports field to investigate if incorporating humic substances with fertilizers could improve turfgrass traffic tolerance and performance, and enhance turfgrass recovery after traffic. Treatments included humic-coated urea, poly-coated humic-coated urea, synthetic fertilizer with black gypsum (two application timings), black gypsum, stabilized nitrogen, poly-coated sulfur-coated urea, urea, and a nontreated control. The addition of humic substances to fertilizer treatments did not result in improve traffic tolerance and performance. Fertilizer treatments did not lead to an effect on soil moisture, surface hardness, and shear strength. Turfgrass recovery varied between years. In 2020, the second year of the experiment, four applications of fertilizers increased turfgrass recovery by 136% relative to the nontreated. Furthermore, incorporating humic substances did not result in enhanced turfgrass recovery compared to fertilizers alone. Overall, applications of fertilizers with humic substances could improve turfgrass recovery from traffic compared to fertilizers alone, but results were variable between years.


Author(s):  
Haibo An ◽  
Jen Owens ◽  
Brian Beres ◽  
Yuejin Li ◽  
Xiying Hao

AbstractOptimizing nitrogen fertilizer management can reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. This study tested if split applying enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) resulted in lower N2O emissions than applying equivalent rates of urea at planting. In semiarid southern Alberta, field trials were conducted during three years (planting to harvest) in rainfed winter wheat crops. Annual fertilizer rates ranged from 146 to 176 kg N ha−1. Fertilizer types were urea, and three EEFs (polymer-coated urea, urea with urease and nitrification inhibitors, and urea with a nitrification inhibitor). Each fertilizer type was applied three ways: 100% banded at planting, split applied 30% banded at planting and 70% broadcast in late fall, and split applied 30% banded at planting and 70% broadcast at Feekes growth stage 4 (GS4, post-tiller formation, wheat entering the greening up phase in the early spring). Nitrous oxide was measured using static chambers between sub-weekly and monthly from planting to harvest. Over three years, cumulative N2O emissions ranged from 0.16 to 1.32 kg N ha−1. This was equivalent to emissions factors between 0.009 and 0.688%. Cumulative N2O emissions and emissions factors did not differ between fertilizer types, but they were lower when fertilizer was split applied at GS4 compared to in late fall (P ≤ 0.10). Our study suggests that EEFs do not reduce N2O emissions from rainfed winter wheat crops, but a well-timed split application with a majority of fertilizer applied after winter can minimize N2O emissions.


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