THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF TURF ON STABILIZED GRANULAR MATERIAL.
Abstract
A study was made of a number of factors involved in establishing turf on stabilized limestone granular materials. Fertility, grass species, root penetration, pH, varying binder soil content, and effect of turf on stability were the factors studied in the greenhouse and in the field. It was shown that with ample fertility, turf can be grown on aggregate with as little as 4.5% binder soil. The yield of grass increased with each added increment of soil above 4.5%, but satisfactory turf was maintained on aggregates with as little as 7.0 to 10.5% binder soil. The pH of the gravel and limestone aggregates used in the study was between 8.0 and 8.5. An application of 3000 lbs. of sulfur per acre lowered the pH by 0.5 pH unit for one year on gravel aggregate. Alta fescue was shown to appear very promising for use on stabilized granular materials. Its fast growth habits and its ability to persist under conditions of low fertility made it appear desirable for such purposes. Kentucky bluegrass and Chewings fescue also made satisfactory growth on this material, but their finer qualities and slower growth habits put them second choice to Alta fescue. Indications were that they are not as wear resistant as Alta.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1949
- Accession Number
- AD0624004
Entities
Organizations
- Purdue University