Data collection is in progress for
the 2013 growing season at the University Park site for Compost Amendment Study I (2 inch compost layer tilled
into compacted loam soil) and Compost Amendment Study II (annual 1/4 inch
compost surface application). Ratings for spring green-up, quality, color,
% ground cover, % clover cover, spring clipping yield assessments and nitrogen
recovery have been collected through July, and plots are being prepared for summer
clipping yield assessments and nitrogen recovery. Microclover and tall fescue are tolerating
the excessive summer heat and rains, and appear to be in excellent condition.
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| Compost Study II |
In Compost Amendment Study II, a
¼ layer of compost was applied to the turf surface in June. Plots were aerated, compost was applied to
the turf, and the area was sliced using a verticutting unit. A significant
green-up response was noticed about 2 weeks after application. Plots designated for the 1.0 lb nitrogen/1000
ft2 application were fertilized with polymer-coated urea (Lesco
Poly-Plus; 39-0-0) in June. As with
Compost Amendment Study I, a noticeable green-up from the nitrogen application
occurred in late June and July.
Microclover is the dominate species in all microclover/tall fescue
plots, with clover cover ratings often exceeding 90%.
The microclover herbicide
tolerance experiment received early May applications of isoxaben (Gallery 75
DF), bentazon (Basagran 4.0 L), pendimethalin (Pendulum 60 WDG), prodiamine (Barricade
65 WDG), dithiopyr (Dimension 1.0 EC), and Benefin (Balan 2.5 G) to determine
the tolerance of microclover to preemergence herbicides. With the exception of
isoxaben, no injury to clover was detected.
All rates of isoxaben cause minor injury to clover; but injury subsided
and was no longer apparent by mid-June. In June, applications of 2,4-D Amine
(3.8 L), 2,4-DB Amine (1.75 L), MCPA (3.7 L) were applied to determine the
tolerance of microclover to postemeergence broadleaf herbicides. Although some minor injury was detected
following 2,4-D Amine applications, the clover recovered quickly and no
permanent damage occurred. No visible
injury was detected with the other herbicides.
A project website was developed
and launched in July, 2013 (http://plantscience.psu.edu/reduce-runoff). The
site contains information on project background, objectives, methods, and
goals/outcomes. It also provides an
outreach section with information on turf fertilizer recommendations, compost
selection and application methods, liming, calibration of fertilizer spreaders,
and examples of how to calculate fertilizer rates. An events calendar and other sections (pages)
will be added as more information becomes available.
