The effect of decomposing biomass of the grasses Festuca arundinacea, F. ovina, and F. rubra on the species composition and quality of lawns

Abstract

<p>The aim of the study was to assess the impact of cut vegetative shoots of chosen lawn grass cultivars of <em>Festuca</em> being left on the lawn sward surface on the species composition, sodding and appearance, and over-wintering of the lawn. The influence of decomposing biomass was studied in a field experiment between 2008 and 2014. Each cultivar was sown as a monoculture on microplots with an area of 1 m<sup>2</sup>. The control consisted of sites from which the cut sward had been removed immediately after cutting.</p><p>The results obtained may indicate an allelopathic effect of the cut sward of the cultivars left on the lawn surfaces. The following had the most negative effects on the species composition of the lawn sward (from greater to lesser negative impact): <em>F. ovina</em> ‘Espro’, <em>F. rubra</em> ‘Areta’, <em>F. arundinacea</em> ‘Asterix’, and <em>F. ovina</em> ‘Pintor’. With the exception of ‘Espro’, these cultivars also limited the presence of dicotyledonous plants in the lawn sward. The cover of dicotyledonous plants and other unsown grasses was also recorded on the sites with <em>F. rubra</em> ‘Olivia’ and ‘Nimba’. The greatest negative influence on the sodding of the lawn swards was demonstrated by the latter <em>F. rubra</em> cultivar, whereas <em>F. ovina</em> ‘Espro’ had the greatest negative influence on the appearance. However, no differences were found in assessments of over-wintering of the cultivars at the study sites. However, taking into account the scale of these impacts on the characteristics evaluated, the cultivars of <em>Festuca</em> species tested can be recommended for extensive use, where a cut sward can be left on the surface of the lawn. Some caution in this respect is recommended when it comes to <em>F. ovina</em> ‘Espro’ and <em>F. rubra</em> ‘Areta’ and ‘Nimba’.</p>

Field evaluation of weed suppression in fine fescue (Festuca spp.)

“…One major difference between our evaluation and the study in Ithaca is mowing height: Bertin and collaborators maintained plots at a golf course fairway height of cut (1.9 cm, no information given on clippings management), whereas our study was managed at 8.9 cm with clipping returned. Degrading leaves may lead to weed suppression through the release of metabolites that are allelopathic (Buta & Spaulding, 1989; Gannon et al., 2006 ; Lipińska et al., 2018). Lickfeldt et al.…”

“…Bertin and collaborators maintained plots at a golf course fairway height of cut (1.9 cm, no information given on clippings management) while our study was managed at 8.9 cm with clipping returned. Degrading leaves may lead to weed suppression through the release of metabolites that are allelopathic (Buta & Spaulding, 1989;Gannon, Yelverton, & McElroy, 2006;Lipioska et al, 2018). Lickfeldt, Voigt, Branham, and Fermanian (2001) observed that 'Spartan' HF leaf leachate was able to…”

“…ST, strong creeping red fescue; SL, slender creeping red fescue; CH, Chewings fescue; HF, hard fescue; SH, sheep fescue no information given on clippings management), whereas our study was managed at 8.9 cm with clipping returned. Degrading leaves may lead to weed suppression through the release of metabolites that are allelopathic (Buta & Spaulding, 1989;Gannon et al, 2006 ;Lipińska et al, 2018). Lickfeldt et al (2001) observed that 'Spartan' HF leaf leachate was able to suppress large crabgrass germination, and strongly reduced large crabgrass root length.…”

Productivity and Quality of Diverse Ripe Pasture Grass Fodder Depends on the Method of Soil Cultivation

“…The optimal use of organic nutrients only occurs when the feed contains a sufficient amount of minerals. In turn, the nutritional conditions of the soil and intensity of soil cultivation determine the mineral composition of the feed (Butenko et al, 2019;Lipińska et al, 2018;Prorochenko, 2017;Santín-Montanyá et al, 2016;Shiferaw et al, 2011;Tsyhanskyi et al, 2019;Vasileva, 2012).…”