Kentucky Bluegrass

 

Kentucky Bluegrass weed control researchResearch at COARC on Kentucky bluegrass has spread across weed, insects and disease control, evaluation of plant growth regulators to increase seed yield and non-thermal residue management. The focus of pest management has been on: cheatgrass control in seedling fields, contamination of Kentucky bluegrass with rough bluegrass and creeping bentgrass, control of ergot and powdery mildew, and management of sod webworm.

Kentucky bluegrass seed is grown in central Oregon for use in turf for home lawns and in landscape areas throughout the temperate regions of the United States and around the world. In addition to being planted alone, it is often blended with other varieties like perennial ryegrass or fine fescue.

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Ammonia Volatilization Research in Madras

Marvin Butler is the lead on a project to evaluate ammonia volatilization in Kentucky bluegrass fields from urea-based fertilizers applied in the fall with no irrigation. Cooperators include Don Horneck in Hermiston (2 locations) and Rich Koenig at WSU (one location near Spokane/Coeur d'Alene).

Shown in the attachment are preliminary data tables from a commercial field near Culver and a field on the Agency Plains north of Madras. Treatments applied to the Culver location on October 11 included urea, ammonium nitrate and Agrotain-coated urea (NBPT). Treatments applied to the Agency Plains location on October 19 were urea, solution 32 (Sol 32), CAN 27 and Agrotain-coated urea (NBPT). The first graph shows data for days 2 through 16 after application from the Culver location, while the second graph is data from days 2 through 13 after application at Agency Plains.

Over an inch of rain occurred on day 13 at Culver and day 5 at Agency Plains. The rain does not appear to change the slope of the line at Agency Plains, raising questions about the effect of rain on reducing volatilization. Recent work by Horneck and Holcomb supports 0.5 inches of irrigation being adequate to minimize volatilization. Temperature and/or heavy dew may have a significant effect in the speed and amount of volatilization.  Shown in the attachment are the weather data tables for both sites. 

There was 27% volatilization from urea on day 8 at Culver when there was heavy dew and warm temperatures, compared to 10% in the first 8 days during the following week at Agency Plains when it was cool and dry. Additional data, including weather data, will be provided as it become available.

Contact Marvin Butler for further information.  541-480-0810

 

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