Viability of five fairway turfgrasses with and without chemical inputs

Interest in low-input alternative fairway turfs has increased because of restrictions. This study compared the volumetric soil water content (VSWC) and turf quality five under reduced irrigation low nitrogen. The main plots were ‘Epic’ strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. L., SCRF), ‘Vesper’ velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina VBG), ‘Shark’ stolonifera CBG), ‘Diva’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis KBG), a 5:95 Vesper–Epic mixture (VBG–SCRF). Urea at annual N rates (0 98 kg ha–1) three fungicide programs (none, integrated pest management, full preventative) applied. Turf VSWC assessed from June to September. Rating date interacted with all factors both years. On most 2010 dates, SCRF had lower (<3.1) than VBG–SCRF (<4.8) VBG higher (>5.1). In 2011, CBG usually similar (>5.8), acceptable year. KBG (>5.0), declining late 2011 through weed infestation nonfertilized plots. 2010, fertilized experimental units (39.9%) (41.1%); CBG. Drought never occurred, as was above 20%. type × rating interaction significant. Creeping least one other on 15 16 dates. Velvet provided best grasses tested this setting.