Response of Hybrid Bermudagrass and Manilagrass to Soil Moisture Using Water-table Depth Gradient Tanks

Previous research involving turfgrass response to soil moisture used methodology that may compromise root morphology or fail control outside environmental factors. Water-table depth gradient tanks were employed in the greenhouse identify habitat specialization of hybrid bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] and manilagrass Zoysia matrella Merr.] maintained at 2.5 5.1 cm. Turfgrass quality (TQ), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), canopy temperature (CT), biomass (RB) as metrics for plants grown monoculture sandy clay loam soil. Mowing height did not affect growth species moisture. quality, NDVI, RB greatest, whereas CT was lowest wetter levels [27- 58-cm water-table (DWT)] each tank where growing above field capacity. However, greatest 27-cm DWT, DWT lower than 42.5- 73.5-cm 2013 all other 2014. Both responded similarly droughty (120- 151-cm DWT) tanks. lowest, highest higher levels. Bermudagrass be more competitive when is high both are less low.