EFFECT OF CUTTING AND FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS ON GRASS DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Greenhouse studies on the management of grasses for fairways of golf courses were carried out with several grass species. Close clipping always resulted in small root development. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is unable to maintain itself in the field if it is cut shorter than 3/4 inch oftener than once a week. Red fescue (Festuca rubra), when cut short, tillers and produces many leaves close to the ground, and is able, therefore, to withstand more severe cutting. Close clipping so limits the production of carbohydrates that the plants are not benefited by the addition of fertilizers. "The killing of the grass was not due to a cutting off of the buds, but to a gradual starvation to a point beyond which the plants could not maintain themselves.".