Effects of Soil Covers on Late-Fall Seedings of Four Tall Fescue Varieties
Abstract
Soil covers promote seed germination and plant growth at suboptimum temperatures by conserving heat near the soil surface. This conservation of heat results in a higher soil surface temperature than in uncovered soils. The result is succulent seedings that may be more susceptible to premature death during winter and reduced growth the following season. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of soil covers for promoting seed germination in the fall and to observe the effects of soils covers on plant growth and development. A field study was conducted using Clemfine, Mustang, Rebel and Rebel II varieties of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea schreb.) sown in mid- October in New Hampshire using a randomized block design. Half of each plot was covered with a spun bonded polypropylene soil cover. The cover remained on the plots until the following June. It enhanced seedling emergence in the fall for all four varieties and subsequent regrowth during May for all varieties except Rebel. Very little extra growth was observed under the cover during April, when average ambient temperatures were about 6.2C. Analysis of tissue sampled in June showed that the carbohydrate content was lower with the higher-yielding varieties. Higher-yielding varieties that had been covered showed lower concentrations of fructans in leaves, but the levels were not sufficient to affect summer growth. No differences in carbohydrate concentrations between varieties were found. Test results show that the use of soil covers promoted seed germination of late fall seedings and improved grass growth through the following August.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212203
Entities
People
- Antonio J. Palazzo
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory