OVERSEEDING BUFFALOGRASS WITH FINE-LEAVED FESCUES FOR

IMPROVED TURFGRASS PERFORMANCE

by

SongulSevermutlu

A THESIS

Presented to the Faculty of

The Graduate College of the University of Nebraska

In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements

For the Degree of Master of Science

Major: Horticulture

Under the Supervision of Professors

Robert C. Shearman and Terrance P. Riordan

Lincoln, Nebraska, 2003

August, 2003

OVERSEEDING BUFFALOGRASS WITH FINE-LEAVED FESCUES FOR

IMPROVEDTURFGRASSPERFORMANCE

Songul Severmutlu, M.S.

University of Nebraska, 2003

Advisors: Robert C. Shearman and Terrance P. Riordan

The use of buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt) Engelm), a native grass of the

Great Plains, as turf is limited because of its long annual dormancy in the Northern

regions during spring and fall. Overseeding buffalograss turf with a cool-season grass

like fine fescue (Festuca spp.) might enhance turfgrass quality and extend the period of

green appearance for the turf. This study was conducted to determine: 1) Best fine fescue

species for overseeding; 2) Effect of seeding date, seeding rate and extent of core

cultivation on overseeding establishment; 3) Effect of overseeded fine fescues on spring

and fall turfgrass color retention; and 4) Impact of overseeded fine fescues on turfgrass

quality. Hard fescue (Festuca longifolia Thuil!.), blue fescue (F. ovina L. glauca Lam.),

Chewings fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaud.), seeding date (fall, spring or fall-

spring), seeding rate (10, 20, or 30 g m-2), and extent of core cultivation (single or double

pass) on fine leaf fescue overseeding establishment, botanical composition, turfgrass

quality, color, and green cover were evaluated on a buffalograss turf grown near Mead,

NE. Blue fescue-buffalograss treatments gave the best quality and color. The fall

overseeding treatment resulted in better turfgrass quality, color, green cover and

establishment. Hard fescue established equally in fall or fall-spring seedings. Spring

overseeding provided unacceptable fine fescue establishment, quality and cover. Seeding

rates of20 or 30 g m-2 gave better quality, color and green cover ratings than the 10 g m-2

seeding rate, when buffalograss was dormant. There was a linear relationship between

seeding rates and fescue shoot density. Botanical composition of the mixtures stabilized

around 70-80 % fescue and 20-30 % buffalograss a year after overseeding. Core

cultivation treatments did not influence turfgrass quality, color and green cover.

Overseeding buffalograss with fine fescues extended the green cover by three months.

The results of this study support the potential use of fme leaf fescue and buffalograss

mixtures as a means of enhancing turfgrass quality and extending green appearance when

compared to monostands of buffalograss.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my major advisors Dr. Robert C. Shearman and Dr.

Terrance P. Riordan for their guidance and support throughout my graduate program. I

would also like to thank my committee members, Dr. Roch Gaussoin and Dr. Lowell

Moser for their guidance and expertise. Thanks are in order to the United States Golf

Association and the Nebraska Turfgrass Association for their funding of my research

project. Thanks are also in order to the faculty and staff of the Department of Agronomy

and Horticulture, and all of the members of the Turfgrass Science Team who have

provided assistance during my Master program. Special thanks are given to Mr. Lannie

Wit, Jeff Witkowski and Casey Bryan for their help in maintaining my turfgrass research

plots and to Donna Michel for her willingness to help. I also want to thank to Clint

Meyer, Osman Gulsen, Jason Lewis, Ryan Goss, and Hikmet Budak for their help and

friendship.

The last but not the least, I would like to thank my family, especially my husband

Nedim Mutlu and my sister Serpil Sever and my daughter Sena for their unending

support, encouragement and understanding throughout the graduate program. Special

thanks to my father Duran, my mom Saliha, my sisters Nezihe , Semiha, Fatos, and Ayse

for their love and encouragement to achieve this program. Without them none of this

would have been possible. And thanks to God for His endless love and miracles to have

given me extraordinary opportunities.

Chapter 2.

Chapter 1.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

List of Tables .ii

List of Figures v

Introduction 1

Literature Review 8

Effect of Fine Fescue Overseeding Dates on Buffalograss Turf Color

and Quality 45

Abstract. 45

Introduction 47

Materials and Method 50

Results and Discussion 52

Conclusions 68

Literature Cited 69

Effect of Fine Fescue Overseeding Rates on Buffalograss Turf Color

and Quality 89

Abstract 89

Introduction , 91

Materials and Method 95

Results and Discussion 97

Conclusions 109

Literature Cited 110

Appendix 130

11LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1.1 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for fine fescue and buffalograss shootdensity (first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept. 2002 73

1.2 The mean number of fine fescue and buffalograss shoot densities for species xseeding date interaction (first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept. 2002 74

1.3 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass green cover (first trial)during 2001 and 2002 75

1.4 Mean turfgrass green cover for fine fescue species x seeding date interaction(first trial) during 2002 76

1.5 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass color (first trial) during 2002 ....... 77

1.6 Mean turfgrass color for species x seeding date interaction (first trial)during 2002 78

1.7 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass quality (first trial) during2001 and 2002 79

1.8 Mean turfgrass quality for species x seeding date interaction (first trial)during 2002 80

1.9 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for fine fescue and buffalograss shoot density(second trial) during 2002 82

1.10 The mean number of fine fescue and buffalograss shoots for species x seedingdate interactions (second trial) during 2002 82

1.11 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass green cover (second trial)during 2002 83

1.12 Mean turfgrass green cover for species and seeding rate effects (second trial)during 2002 84

1.13 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass color (second trial) during 2002 ... 85

1.14 Mean turfgrass color for species and seeding date effects (second trial)during 2002 86

iii

1.15 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass quality (second trial)during 2002 87

1.16 Mean turfgrass quality for species and seeding date effects (second trial)during 2002 88

2.1 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for fine fescue and buffalograss shoot density(first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept. 2002 114

2.2 The mean number of fine fescue and buffalograss shoots for species,seeding rate and core cultivation effects (first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept.2002 115

2.3 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass green cover (first trial) during2001 and 2002 , 116

2.4 Mean turfgrass green cover for species and seeding rate effects (first trial)during 2001 and 2002 117

2.5 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass color (first trial) during 2002 ....... 118

2.6 Mean turfgrass color for species and seeding rate effects (first trial)during 2002 119

2.7 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass quality (first trial) during 2001and 2002 120

2.8 Mean turfgrass quality for species, seeding rate and core cultivation effects(first trial) during 2002 121

2.9 Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for fine fescue and buffalograss shoot density(second trial) during 2002 123

2.10 The mean number of fine fescue and buffalograss shoots for seedingrate x core cultivation interactions and species effects (second trial)during 2002 123

2.11 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass green cover (second trial)during 2002 124

IV

Table Page

2.12 Mean turfgrass green cover for species x seeding rate interactions(second trial) during 2002 125

2.13 Analysis of variance (ANOYA)for turfgrass color (second trial) during2002 126

2.14 Mean turfgrass color for species and seeding rate effect (second trial) during2002 127

2.15 Analysis of variance (ANOYA) for turfgrass quality (second trial) during2002 128

2.16 Mean turfgrass quality for species x seeding rate interactions (second trial)during 2002 129

vLIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

A.l Monthly air temperatures (0e) at the JSA Turfgrass and OrnamentalResearch Facility near mead, NE during 2001 131

A.2 Monthly air temperatures (0e) at the JSA Turfgrass and OrnamentalResearch Facility near mead, NE during 2002 131

A.3 Monthly precipitation (mm) at the JSA Turfgrass and Ornamental ResearchFacility near mead, NE during 2001 and 2002 132

A.4 Monthly soil temperatures (0e) at the JSA Turfgrass and OrnamentalResearch Facility near mead, NE during 2001 and 2002 132

A.5 Fine fescue shoot density (Shoot number 4000 mm-2) for fall, fall-spring or

spring overseeded blue fescue (BF), hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue(CF) treatments (first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept. 2002 133

A.6 Mean turfgrass green cover (%) for fall, fall-spring or spring overseeded bluefescue (BF), hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF) treatments(first trial) from Dec. 2001 to Sept. 2002 134

A.7 Mean turfgrass color for for fall, fall-spring or spring overseeded blue fescue(BF), hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF) treatments (first trial) during2002 135

A.8 Mean turfgrass quality for fall, fall-spring or spring overseeded blue fescue(BF), hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF) treatments (first trial)during 2002 136

A.9 Fescue shoot density (Shoot number 4000 mm-2) for fall, fall-spring or spring

overseeded blue fescue (BF), hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF)treatments (second trial) during 2002 137

A.10 Fine fescue shoot density (Shoot number 4000 mm-2) for 10, 20 and 30 g m-2

seeding rates (first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept. 2002 138

A.11 Fine fescue shoot density (Shoot number 4000 mm-2) for fall, fall-spring or spring

overseeded blue fescue (BF), hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF)treatments (first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept. 2002 138

A.12 Fine fescue shoot density (Shoot number 4000 mm-2) for the single and double

pass core cultivation treatments (first trial) from Nov. 2001 to Sept. 2002 ........ 139

VI

Figure Page

A.13 Turfgrass green cover for fall, fall-spring or spring overseeded blue fescue(BF), hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF) treatments (first trial)from Dec. 2001 to Sept. 2002 .140

A.14 Turfgrass green cover for the 10,20 and 30 g m-2 seeding rates (first trial)from Dec.2001 to Nov. 2002 140

A.lS Turfgrass color for fall, fall-spring or spring overseeded blue fescue (BF),hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF) treatments (first trial) during2002 , 141

A.16 Turfgrass color for the 10, 20 and 30 g m-2 seeding rates from Apr. 2001 toNov. 2002 141

A.17 Turfgrass quality for fall, fall-spring or spring overseeded blue fescue (BF),hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF) treatments (first trial) from Apr.2002 to Sept. 2002 142

A.18 Turfgrass quality for the 10,20 and 30 g m-2 seeding rates from (first trial)Apr.2002 to Nov.2002 142

A.19 Turfgrass quality for the single and double pass core cultivation treatments(first trial) from Apr. 2002 to Nov. 2002 143

A.20 Fine fescue shoot density (Shoot number 4000 mm-2) for core cultivation

(single or double pass) x seeding rate (10, 20 or 30 g m-2) interaction (second

trial) during 2002 144

A.21 Fine fescue shoot density (Shoot number 4000 mm-2) for blue fescue (BF),

hard fescue (HF) and Chewings fescue (CF) treatments (second trial) during2002 144

1INTRODUCTION

Buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt) Engelm] is a low maintenance,

stoloniferous, perennial warm season species that is native to the subhumid and semiarid

regions of the North American Great Plains (Wenger, 1943; Beard, 1973; Fry, 1995;

McCarty, 1995). Buffalograss is the only native grass that is used as a turfgrass in the

United States (Riordan and Browning, 2003). It is used as an ecologically sound and

energy efficient turf (Riordan et aI., 1998). The new turf-type buffalograsses are used on

lawns, golf courses, areas around public buildings, and for erosion control along

roadsides (Falkenberg-Borland and Butler, 1982; Pozarnsky, 1983; Wu and Harivandi,

1989; Fry, 1995).

Concerns regarding water conservation and chemical inputs have increased

interest in using buffalograss as a turfgrass. Buffalograss has received attention because

of its excellent drought resistance and minimal maintenance, requiring less water,

fertilizers, and pesticides and mowing than traditional turfgrasses (Wenger, 1940;

Pozamsky, 1983; Wu et aI., 1989; Wu and Harivandi, 1989; Riordan, 1991; Riordan et

aI., 1998; Johnson and Riordan 1999). It also requires less mowing and produces fewer

clippings for disposal (Frank et aI., 1997); making it more environmentally friendly. If

managed properly, it is thought that buffalograss is relatively pest-free and will not need

routine insecticide or fungicide applications (Riordan, 1991).

Buffalograss is a warm season species and does not green up as early or retain its

color as late in fall as cool season turfgrasses (Wenger, 1943; Pozarnsky, 1983). It also

has very poor shade tolerance (Wenger, 1943; Beetle, 1950; Beard, 1973; Harivandi and

2Wu, 1995). Weeds often invade when grown under higher rainfall or high irrigation

scheduling due to its open growth habit (McCarty, 1995).

Hard fescue (Festuca longifolia Thuill. or F. trachyphylla), blue fescue (F. ovina

L. glauca Lam.), Chewings fescue (F. rubra L. commutata Gaud.), and creeping red

fescue (F. rubra L. rubra), are adapted to the transition zone and into Canada, and are

excellent low maintenance grasses for lawns (Roberts, 1990; Harivandi, 1991). Among

the cool-season grasses, fine fescues are regarded as being one of the most promising

species for use as low maintenance turf (Watschke, 1990; Harivandi, 1991). Fine leaved

fescues have been grown on greens and fairways in Scotland for centuries (Beard, 1998).

Some fine-leaved fescues may also be used in golf course roughs and other natural areas

(Riordan, 1997; Demoeden, 1998).

The fine fescues tolerate low light intensities and are widely used in seed

mixtures because of their superior shade tolerance (Pound and Street, 1991). They are

drought resistant, but do not tolerate high temperature stress (Hanson et aI., 1969; Beard,

1973; Riordan and Horst, 1991; Demoeden, 1998). They maintain density under low

fertility and tolerate acid soils (Hanson et aI, 1969; Beard, 1973; Ruemmele et aI., 1995).

Taxonomic classification of the fine fescues is disputed (Ruemmele et aI., 1995).

The F. ovina complex including hard, blue, and sheep fescues awaits better classification

and are the most difficult fme fescues to identify (Huff and Palazo, 1998). Blue fescue is

not considered as a separate species, and it is either grouped as hard fescue or sheep

fescue by many researchers (Ruemmele et aI., 2003). The cultivar 'SR 3200' used in this

study is a hybrid from a controlled cross between hard fescue and blue fescue (Ruemmele

et aI., 2003). This cultivar most resembles sheep fescue (Brede, 2000). Although they

3pollinate at different times of the day, many researchers consider blue fescue a

'glaucous' or 'blue' form of hard fescue, rather than a separate species (Ruemmele et aI.,

2003). A European sheep fescue cultivar, 'Mecklenburger,' is blue-gray in color and is

commonly considered to be a typical example of sheep fescue in the USA and Europe. It

is probably this bluish-gray, glaucous trait of'Mecklenburger' which has been used to

classify other turf-type glacous fme fescues as sheep fescues in the USA (Huff and

Palazo, 1998).

Sheep fescue is distinguished by its very fine leaf texture, rather tufted growth

habit, and blue-green stiffleaves (Beard, 1973; Meyer and Funk, 1989). It is indigenous

to North America and Eurasia (Beard, 1973). It requires the lowest level of maintenance

of the fine fescues (Diesburg et aI, 1997). Sheep fescue exhibits superior shade

adaptation and is characterized by a distinct blue-green color with the leaves being stiffer

than those of red fescue or hard fescue (Beard, 1973).

Sheep fescue grows very slowly and maintains a dense, aesthetic cover under

low-maintenance (Meyer and Funk, 1989; Harivandi, 1991). It is not adapted to either

close mowing or intensive culture (Harivandi, 1991). In Maryland, Dernoeden et ai.

(1994) found that in a 3-yr absence of irrigation or fertilization, 'Bighorn' blue sheep

fescue and 'Aurora' hard fescue maintained better quality and resistance to weed invasion

than tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars. They proposed that future low

maintenance studies should focus on mixtures or blends of fescue species. Diesburg et al.

(1997) reported that common sheep fescue and tall fescue were the best and most broadly

adapted to low-input sustainable turf in the U.S. upper Midwest. Sheep fescue is used in

difficult-to-mow areas, such as roadsides, railway banks, roughs and reclamation areas,

4lawns, and wildflower mixtures (Ruemmele et aI., 2003). Weibull et aI. (1991) noted

its excellent tolerance to drought and low fertility levels; therefore, requiring minimal

nitrogen.

Blue fescues are dense and low growing, have good disease resistance and shade

tolerance (Meyer and Funk, 1989). They are durable, and have low-maintenance

requirements compared to the other fine fescues, tolerating very poor soils (Ruemmele et

aI., 1995). The SR 3200 blue fescue used in this study is well adapted to a mown turf

situation, with the blue-green color developing in high stress periods (Lynch, 1996). It is

a very low maintenance, drought resistant, endophyte enhanced grass with a fine texture

similar to hard or Chewings fescue (Lynch, 1996). With these aspects in mind, the

cultivar SR 3200 is referred to as blue fescue in this study.

Hard fescue, a native of Europe, is a semi-erect, long-lived, bunch-type grass with

high shoot density and tufted growth habit (Meyer and Funk, 1989; Harivandi, 1991).

Minner and Butler (1985) found that none of the fine fescues tested produced suitable turf

under severe drought conditions. However, the hard fescues were generally more

drought tolerant than the other fine fescues. Drought tolerance is considered less than

sheep fescue, but greater than red and Chewings fescue (Beard, 1973).

Although similar in appearance to sheep fescue, hard fescue has a wider, tougher

and less blue-green leaf that varies from dark green to gray-green color (Ruemmele et aI,

1995). The recent increase in demand for low-maintenance turf and landscape plants

makes hard fescue a prime candidate for a minimum maintenance turf. Golf course

roughs, slopes, bunker and lake perimeters, berms, and unused areas as well as roadsides

are among the many potential uses for hard fescue (Harivandi, 1991). Active progress in

5recent years yielded several improved cultivars. The cultivar SR 3100 used in this

study has a dark green color, very high endophyte content, improved heat and drought

tolerance, improved resistance to many common diseases and a more dwarf growth habit

than other cultivars (Lynch, 1996). Under minimal irrigation and fertility, this cultivar

forms an attractive dense turf (Ruemmele et al., 2002).

Chewings fescue, native to Europe, has fine-textured, medium to dark green

leaves (Meyer and Funk, 1989; Harivandi, 1991), and a bunch-type growth habit (Beard,

1973). Under high fertility, Chewings fescue may crowd out other species in mixtures

(Smith et aI, 1993). Chewings fescue is used predominantly as a component in turfgrass

mixtures. In the United States, some cultivars of Chewings fescue are used for winter

overseeding dormant warm-season turf to provide winter color and cover for lawns and

sports turf (Schmidt and Shoulders, 1977; Hurley, 1990; Skogley et al., 1993). Drought

resistance (Hubbard, 1984) and poor low temperature color retention (Jackson, 1962) of

Chewings fescue has been reported. Extensive tillering (Parks and Henderlong, 1967)

enables this species to maintain its density in turfuse. The cultivar SR 5100 used in this

study forms dense, fine textured turf; bright, dark green in color and high in endophyte

level (Lynch, 1996). The cultivar SR 5100 grows very slowly, and has dwarf

characteristics. It tolerates shade and low maintenance well (Lynch, 1996).

Chewings fescue does not tolerate extremes in temperature but does tolerate

drought well (Welton and Carroll, 1940; Beard, 1973; Harivandi, 1991). Fine fescues in

general have medium to poor wear tolerance. Chewings fescue is not as wear tolerant as

other fescues, but can be mown lower and, grows optimally in sandy soil with low

fertility (Beard, 1973).

6Buffalograss greens up in late May, exhibits peak vegetative growth in summer,

and becomes dormant in around mid-October in Nebraska. Innorthern regions, this long

annual dormancy of buffalograss in spring and fall is a limitation to its acceptance and

use as a turfgrass. Therefore, buffalograss use has been limited to lower use sites or

places that only experience traffic during periods of active growth (Johnson and Riordan

1999). Fine fescues initiate growth in April, exhibits peak vegetative growth in spring,

and fall and a slow growth rate during summer in NE. Thus, the growth pattern of

buffalograss and fine fescues are opposite and might compliment each other if grown in a

mixture. Buffalograss attains its highest quality in summer whereas fine fescues looks

best in spring and fall.

When mixed together as a long-lived perennial turf, fine fescues could keep the

mixture green in the spring and fall, while buffalograss could provide summer

performance. This mixture might potentially extend the green cover of turf from less

than five months with a buffalograss monostand to eight months. Turf quality and

performance, and traffic tolerance as well as disease control and weed suppression would

improve when buffalograss is dormant. This mixture might also provide acceptable

quality turf with less input than most lawn grasses.

Attaining and keeping the desired species composition balance in a buffalograss-

fme fescue mixture may not be easy and will be dependent on management and

environmental factors. If management factors favor either species, the competitive

ability of the other will decrease, causing a species shift in composition.

The objective of this study was to enhance turfgrass quality and extend the period

of green appearance for the buffalograss turf. The specific objectives were to determine:

1) Best fine fescue species for overseeding; 2) Effect of seeding date, seeding rate and

extend of core cultivation on overseeding establishment; 3) Effect of overseeded fine

fescues on spring and fall turfgrass color retention; and 4) Impact of overseeded fine

fescues on turfgrass quality.

7

8

LITERATURE REVIEW

Overseeding

Warm-season turf species, like buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt) Engelm.]

and bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) enter into a semi-to fully dormant stage in the late fall,

depending on their location. This process is a natural response to suboptimal

temperatures and high light intensities. Along with a progressive decline in growth rate,

there is a loss of green color. Once soil temperatures reach 10°C or lower, the warm-

season turfgrasses develop a straw-brown color that persists until the soil temperatures

rise above this level in the spring (Emmons 2000). To compensate for this color change

and to provide actively growing turf during winter dormancy, cool-season turfgrasses are

overseeded in warm-season turfs and is a standard management procedure in many

southern and transition areas of the USA (Foy, 1998; Longer, 1998).

Overseeding is the practice of seeding a temporary cool-season grass into a well

established warm-season turfwith the intent of improving turfgrass quality, color, cover

and playability, during periods when the warm-season grass is dormant. The unique

growth patterns of cool and warm season grasses need to be addressed first in order to

explain the physiological logic behind overseeding, which has been practiced for

sometime in golf course turfs, home lawns, and industrial site areas.

Turfgrass growth patterns

Warm-season grasses exhibit peak vegetative growth in the summer (Emmons,

2000). Kaufmann (1989) stated that growth rate is primarily influenced by the total

amount of solar radiation and not by specific day length responses. He also noted that

cool temperatures in the fall result in growth cessation and these grasses stay dormant

until late spring. The reproductive structures of warm-season grasses grow abundantly 9

in early summer and then are maintained at a reduced level throughout the growing

season (Kaufmann, 1989).

For cool-season grasses most of the vegetative growth occurs during spring, and

slows down in summer (Turgeon, 1999). Long daylengths orient the growth vertically

resulting in greater percentage of vegetation removal where often more than one-half of

the vegetation grown for the year is removed during a six-week period in the spring

(Kaufmann, 1989). The growth rate resumes in the fall (Turgeon, 1999), but short day

lengths orient growth more horizontally and the clipping yield is often only half of that in

the spring (Kaufmann, 1989).

Turfgrass Quality

Warm season grasses exhibit highest quality during summer months while cool

season grasses generally peak in late spring, early summer and fall (Beard, 1973;

Emmons, 2000). When the new leaf appearance rate exceeds the leaf senescence rate,

superior turfgrass quality occurs; under these conditions turfgrasses become dense and

show a high amount of visible juvenile tissues (Kaufmann, 1989). Kaufmann (1989) also

stated that dormancy starts with a lack of new leaf initiation followed by highly visible

natural aging of existing leaves. Once grasses are exposed to supra- or suboptimal

growth temperature natural aging occurs and dormant turfgrasses exhibit reduced

turfgrass quality (Emmons, 2000). At this time, new actively growing turf is needed in

order to continue to have a high quality turf stand. Overseeding dormant warm-season

species with cool-season grasses is one means of introducing active growth to enhance

turfgrass quality and function.

10The practice of overseeding dates backs to the 1930s and was first adapted to

golf courses from pasture management, where cool-season grasses were used for winter

livestock grazing (Richardson and Warner, 2000). In the southern part of US, cool-

season species are frequently overseeded into warm-season species in the fall to provide a

green turf during the winter when the warm-season species are dormant. Cool-season

grasses are able to retain their color all winter long in many parts of USA (Emmons,

2000). In the spring, the permanent warm-season grasses resume growth when soil

temperatures rise above 10°C and soon predominate (Beard, 1973). The cool-season

species are unable to survive the warmer spring weather and disappear (Beard, 1973;

Emmons, 2000). These turfs require overseeding each fall to provide a green, vigorous,

wear-tolerant turf during winter use. Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum

secundatum (Walter) Kuntze], bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge), centipedegrass

[Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hackel], and zoysiagrass (Zoysiajaponica Steud.)

have been successfully overseeded with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.),

perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), fine fescues (Festuca spp.), Kentucky bluegrass

(Poa pratensis L.), rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.), and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis

stolonifera L.) in the southern USA (Meyers and Horn, 1970; Schmidt, 1970; Ward et aI.,

1974; Emmons, 2000). The practice of 'winter overseeding' is used on putting greens,

tees, fairways, roughs, lawns, and sports fields (Bishop, 1995; Emmons, 2000).

In Japan, Razmjoo et ai. (1995) studied overseeding of manila grass (Zoysia

matrella (L.) Merr.) with cool season turfgrasses to examine suitability of these species

for winter overseeding or planting in a mixture with manilagrass for producing a year-

round turf. Fescues were overseeded at 15 g m-2 on October 10. Hard fescue and

11Chewings fescue were found suitable for winter overseeding but not for planting in a

mixture with manilagrass in order to produce quality year-round turf. These researchers

found that it took three months with hard and six months with Chewings fescue for

regrowth of manilagrass to provide satisfactory cover during the summer. Razmjoo et al.

(1995) suggested that the reason for slow recovery may have been due to the manilagrass

having slow growth and recovery rates and better than expected growth of the fine

fescues species, during the spring and summer. The manilagrass/fine fescue mixture

provided good density until May and good color until June with chewings fescue and

until May for hard fescue, during the seedling year. Color and density of the overseeded

mixture reflected manilagrass properties, since fescues died out of the stand in the

summer. Schmidt and Shoulders (1980) reported that fine fescues established slower in

Virginia than perennial ryegrass, but quality was high in the winter and persisted until

early summer. However, Razmjoo et all (1992) reported that some cultivars of these

species could be used year-round in Japan. Differences in climate and cultivars used are

probably the reason for the different results reported by Schmidt and Shoulders (1980)

and Razmjoo et all (1992). Hurley et al. (1989) reported that Chewings fescue did not

compete well against zoysiagrass during the spring transition, but did improve winter

color and was considered acceptable for winter overseeding in Japan.

Examples of permanent cool/warm season grass mixtures for forage and turf

established through overseeding are rare due to difficulties in establishing and

maintaining a balanced botanical composition over the long term. It is rare to find

mixtures of cool- and warm-season turfgrasses in nature, other than weed invasions of

one turf into another (DiPaola, 1993). Mixtures ofturfgrass species may be

12advantageous for areas with multiple environments if each component in the mixture

excels in a specific environment (Davis, 1969; Madison, 1971).

In eastern Nebraska, perennial cool-season grasses initiate growth in April, reach

optimum growth in early to mid-June, and produce regrowth in September and October

after the mid-summer stress. Growth of warm-season grasses begins about mid-May and

they reach maturity in late August (Petersen and Moser, 1985). If the right combination

could be found, a cool-season and warm-season turfgrass mixture would have several

advantages (DiPaola, 1993). Warm-season turfgrass could supplement the slow growth

of the cool-season species when it is hot. The reverse would occur in cool periods. Thus,

compatible cool-season and warm-season mixtures would provide growth and green

cover all year. Turf performance also would improve, especially traffic tolerance, disease

incidence and weed suppression (DiPaola, 1993).

Polystand Species Competition and Botanical Composition

Polystand communities provide an increased range in genetic diversity and

adaptive potential, although they may not provide the uniform turf quality and growth

responses found in monostands (Beal, 1898; Watschke and Schmidt, 1992). Properly

formulated polystand communities provide a wider range of environmental stress and

pest tolerance than mono stand communities (Watschke and Schmidt, 1992).

Deterioration due to disease and insect infestation of turf stands is less likely to occur in

polystands (Madison, 1971; Beard, 1973). Beard (1973) stated that the composition of a

turfgrass community is generally in a constant state of change which varies greatly

depending on the age of the community and the environmental and cultural conditions it

is exposed to. Grasses best adapted to their subjected environment eventually dominate

13the polystand community (Funk and Dickson, 1981). Management factors such as

fertilization, irrigation, mowing, and pest control can have an impact on desired

composition of a turfgrass community by influencing species competitive ability even

though composition stability may be influenced by uncontrollable environmental factors

(Davis, 1969; Beard, 1973).

In a polystand, turfgrasses compete for light, water, nutrients, carbon dioxide,

oxygen, and space. Seasonal growth patterns, growth habit and rate, and stress tolerance

affect the competitive ability of each species. Soil physical properties such as porosity,

texture, and moisture holding capacity and chemical properties like pH nutrient status and

ion exchange capacities also impact plant competition (Watschke and Schmidt, 1992).

Perennial ryegrass and fine leaf fescues tend to have more rapid growth in the cool,

moist, spring and fall while Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea

Schreb.) have more uniform growth rates throughout the season (Schmidt and Blaser,

1967b). Growth habits like bunch-type, creeping, or spreading profoundly influence

competitive ability. Bunch-type grasses, when seeded sparsely are not as competitive as

heavily seeded ones. Lateral growth of bunch-type grasses occurs by initiation and

development of basal tillers. Rate oftillering determines lateral competitive ability for

these species (Watschke and Schmidt, 1992). Rhizomatous or stoloniferous species have

the advantage of spreading by below and above ground vegetative propagules. New

plants arising from buds can rapidly establish into areas of poor density (Musser, 1948;

Davis, 1958; Juska and Hanson, 1959).

Species composition of turfgrass communities is highly influenced by

environmental conditions. Environment stress can cause rapid changes in population

14dynamics. Extremes in temperature cause the most dramatic and sudden changes in

population. Most warm-season species do not become established in northern latitudes

due to direct low temperature kill during winter (Chalmers and Schmidt, 1979). Cool-

season species do not compete favorably, in southern latitudes, in part due to poor

initiation of bud development (Youngner, 1961), and also because of metabolic factors

such as, low carbon dioxide fixation and increased respiration rates. Single-leaf

photosynthetic rates show that warm-season species can respond to higher irradiance and

maintain photosynthetic activity at higher temperatures than cool-season species (Pearcy

and Ehleringer, 1984). Similarly, Kephart et ai. (1992) showed that low irradiance was

more likely to reduce productivity of warm-season grasses than cool-season grasses.

Water also influences species composition, since water requirements of turfgrass

vary. Grasses with deep extensive root systems, considered an important trait of drought

avoidance (Beard, 1989), and reduced water use rates can be sustained for longer periods

of moisture stress than grasses with shallow root systems. Warm-season grasses

generally produce deeper root systems than cool-season grasses (Kneebone et aI., 1992;

Watschke and Schmidt, 1992). Cool-season grasses have been shown to have higher

water use rates than warm-season grasses (Tovey et aI., 1969; Kneebone and Pepper,

1982; Kim and Beard, 1988). Because of its extensive, deep root system and the ability

of the leaf blades to limit transpiration by rolling tightly during periods of stress,

buffalograss has a high resistance to drought stress (Savage and Jacobson, 1935; Engelke

and Hickey, 1983; Kim and Beard, 1988). Fine fescues are considered to have a high

tolerance to drought, and hard fescue is one of the most tolerant cool season species of

dry conditions (Watschke and Schmidt, 1992).

16compaction effects (Shearman and Watkins, 1985; Agnew, 1984). Gore et al. (1979)

subjected 16 mixtures composed of five species to traffic and no traffic treatments. With

traffic, total cover of all mixtures declined but the relative proportion of perennial

ryegrass, timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and annual bluegrass increased, while red fescue

and colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis Sibth.) decreased. The result demonstrates that

compaction can influence community ecology and change the botanical composition of a

turfgrass stand. Core cultivation improves the movement of air and water into compacted

soil and was shown to improve rooting (Engel, 1951) and increase shoot density

(Madison and Hagan, 1962). In addition to improving air and water movement, turfgrass

cultivation can be used as a turfgrass overseeding or renovation practice providing good

contact between the seed and soil without completely disrupting the existing turfgrass

stand (Beard, 1973).

Turfgrass Warm- and Cool-Season Mixtures

Warm-and cool-season turfgrass mixtures, such as bentgrass/bermudagrass,

Kentucky bluegrass/bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass/zoysiagrass, and tall

fescue/Pensacola bahiagrass have been tried from time to time (Beard, 1973). However

their use has not been widely adopted because of difficulties in attaining and maintaining

the desired botanical composition (Davis, 1958; Beard 1973; Johnson, 2003). Generally,

the warm-season species compete excessively during the hot summer period to the extent

that the cool season species composition declines and may even be lost. In the northern

portions of the warm humid region and transition zone, the warm season species are

prone to periodic stand loss due to low temperature injury and the cool season species

tend to predominate in these situations (Beard, 1973).

17Interest in cool-seasonlwarm-season mixtures dates back over 100 years. Beal

(1893) described mixtures of bermudagrass and Kentucky bluegrass persisting in hot,

sunny locations in Michigan. Youngner (1958) studied a tall fescue and Pensacola

bahiagrass mixture and found it performed well during a two-year study in Southern

California. Stoutemyer (1953) studied management practices for grass mixtures in

California and suggested that a balance between species in cool-seasonlwarm-season

mixtures could be maintained by favoring the cool-season grass. Stoutemyer (1953)

studied bermudagrass/bentgrass mixtures in Southern California. In this study the

mixtures of 'Congressional' bentgrass/'U-3' bermudagrass and 'Old Orchard' bentgrass/

U-3 bermudagrass were noted as being matched well in terms of color and texture, and

being resistant to wear stress during three years. Daniel and Freeborg (1979) suggested a

combination of 'Midiron' bermudagrass, which they describe as relatively open in terms

of density and newer perennial ryegrasses as a desirable mixture for the transition area.

Davis (1958) studied the cool- and warm-season turf grass mixtures of 'Merion'

Kentucky bluegrass / 'U-3' bermudagrass and Merion Kentucky bluegrass / 'Meyer'

zoysiagrass among other cool season mixtures. One-year-old bermudagrass and

zoysiagrass were overseeded with Kentucky bluegrass at 2.5 g m-2 in Wooster, OR in the

fall. Plots were not irrigated after establishment and were mowed at either 2 or 5 cm.

Percentages of total ground coverage, Kentucky bluegrass and weeds were estimated two

and three years after overseeding. In the third year, the average percentage of the total

ground cover was 88 % and 78 % for bermudagrass/bluegrass and zoysiagrass/bluegrass,

respectively. And percent bluegrass in zoysiagrass and bermudagrass was 51 % and 7 %,

18respectively. Itwas clear that bluegrass was not able to survive when overseeded into

bermudagrass, however, bluegrass competed well with zoysiagrass.

DiPaola and Spak (1990) overseeded 10 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars into a mature

stand of common bermudagrass. Seed was broadcast at 109 m-2after verticutting to a 1

cm depth in two directions. Plots were mowed to 5 cm and fertilized annually at 12 to 17

g N m-2• Stand composition, two years after overseeding, ranged from 19-56 %

Kentucky bluegrass and 44-81 % bermudagrass, depending on the cultivar used. Turf

quality of the Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass mixtures were greatly improved

over bermudagrass monostands during the fall, winter and spring; and over the Kentucky

bluegrass monostands during the summer. Winter annual weed infestation was minimal

in the Kentucky bluegrass/bermudagrass mixture, but approached 50 % cover in the

bermudagrass monostand.

Dunn et al. (1994) conducted research in Missouri to determine the practicality of

maintaining permanent mixtures of selected cool-season grass species with bermudagrass

under trafficked and nontrafficked conditions. A mature stand of bermuda grass was

overseeded with blends and mixtures of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass,

Chewings fescue, hard fescue and creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. rubra) in

September. Cultural practices in this study were selected to largely favor the cool-season

species and mitigate bermudagrass competition during the summer months. Turfwas

mowed at 31 nun one or two times per week with clippings returned during the growing

season. Turf received the same 4.9 g N m-2 in March, July, September, and October, for

an annual total of 19.6 g N m-2• The area was irrigated as needed during the 1987 fall

establishment period to prevent drought stress; thereafter, turfwas irrigated to prevent

19severe drought stress to cool season grasses. Balanced bermudagrass and cool-season

species mixtures under simulated sports turf traffic were not attained in this study.

Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass were overly competitive with bermudagrass

under the conditions of this study and dominated mixtures. These mixtures maintained

acceptable turfgrass quality for most observation dates after three years of spring and fall

traffic treatments. Bermudagrass/ fine leaf fescue mixtures were severely damaged by

simulated traffic. Quality of turf receiving no traffic was good and varied seasonally in

response to changing environmental conditions. The best mixture balance was achieved

with the nontrafficked bermudagrass/Chewings fescue mixture. Bermudagrass/fine

fescue mixtures receiving no simulated traffic had 69, 41, and 10 % Chewings fescue,

creeping red fescue and hard fescue, respectively four years after overseeding. These

researchers concluded that balanced sports turfmixtures, using bermudagrass and cool-

season grasses were not practical, if imposed to vehicular and foot traffic when

bermudagrass is dormant or semi-dormant, and lacks vigor and resiliency of an actively

growing turf. Furthermore, it appeared that less aggressive Kentucky bluegrass and

perennial ryegrass cultivars might also contribute to a more balanced mixture with

bermudagrass for sports turf. They also concluded that management might be shifted to

favor bermudagrass to obtain more favorable warm-season and cool-season mixture

balance.

A study was conducted by K.N. Morris (personal communication, 2003) to

determine the best management regime for the overall quality of the zoysiagrass/tall

fescue mixture. He studied effects of the different fertility regimes and mowing heights

on species composition, spring green up, fall color, disease resistance and overall

20turfgrass quality. Eight-year-old mature 'Korean common' zoysiagrass was

overseeded with 'Olympic' tall fescue at 20 g m-2 in Sept. 1991. Fertility rates ranged

from 0 to 20 g m-2 N with the applications made from Mar. through Nov. depending on

treatment schedule. Two mowing heights, 40 mm and 75 mm were used and irrigation

was applied to prevent dormancy. From 1992 to 1995, data was collected on % tall

fescue, turfgrass quality and fall color retention. Higher fertility rates increased the

quality and density. However, timing ofN application significantly impacted quality and

the percentage of tall fescue in the mixture. Summer fertilization at any time had a

negative impact on the percentage of tall fescue, and did not seem to increase turfgrass

quality. Also, over time, the percentage of tall fescue in each plots decreased indicating

the need for overseeding of tall fescue into zoysiagrass after some time period. He

suggested that fertilization timing should favor the tall fescue (early spring/late fall) since

the zoysiagrass tended to dominate this mixture over time. He concluded that although

fertilization from late spring to early fall might benefit tall fescue; it would most likely

increase brown patch and stress on the tall fescue. Higher mowing height (75 mm) had a

negative effect on tall fescue cover. Less than 75 mm height, most of the treatments had

less than acceptable tall fescue cover (i.e.<50%).

P.G. Johnson (personal communication, 2003) evaluated fine fescue-buffalograss

and streambank wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus spp. riparium )-buffalograss mixtures as

long-lived perennial turfs in Utah. 'Minotaur' blue fescue, 'Vista' creeping red fescue,

'Jamestown II' Chewings fescue, and 'Sodar' streambank wheatgrass were overseeded

into 'Cody' and 'Texoka' buffalograss stands in Aug. 1999. Seeding rates of 10 or 20 g

m-2 were evaluated for both fine fescue and streambank wheatgrass. Beginning in 2000,

21all plots were managed as if they were 100 % buffalograss with 10 g N m2 yr-! applied

in two applications, a mowing height of 75 mm and irrigation every two weeks at 50 %

potential ET (ET0) replacement. Sodar did not establish satisfactorily and stands were

not uniform within the mixture, resulting a patchy appearance and a mixture that was not

attractive. Sodar was not as competitive as the fine fescues with the buffalograss. During

2000, turfgrass quality was high in the mixture plots during spring, summer, and fall,

with blue fescue serving as the best companion grass. Buffalograss composition was high

in the mixtures in 2000, but declined in 2001. Fine fescues dominated mixtures in 2001,

giving very good spring quality, but the quality declined in summer months due to

summer dormancy. No differences were found between the two seeding rates. P.G.

Johnson (personal communication, 2003) also studied buffalograss and creeping red

fescue mixtures that were seeded together in May of 1999 in northern Utah. The

competitiveness of fine fescue was also evident in this study. Fine fescue dominated the

buffalograss until the plots were 100 % fine fescue. He concluded that fine fescue and

buffalograss mixtures could only be established by seeding fescues into established

buffalograss stands under Utah conditions.

Pasture Cool- and Warm-Season Grass Mixtures

Cool- and warm-season grass mixtures can optimize herbage productivity and

increase grazing days over varying climatic and complex topographic conditions. This

strategy has not always been successful due to species shift, difficulty in establishment

and long-term management requirements. Warnes et al. (1971) reported inclusion of

cool-season grasses with warm-season grasses decreased maximum forage production.

Efficient use of resources such as water and nitrogen becomes an issue in sustained

productivity and species success (Belesky and Fedders, 1995). Nitrogen supplied in

early spring generally favored cool-season species and reduced warm-season grasses

competitive ability (Owensby et al.l970, Warnes et a1.l971, Rehm et al.l976). Ifwater

can be supplied to warm-season grasses in the summer, vegetative composition shifts

might be minimized, while maintaining high yields of the grasses (Peterson and Moser,

1985)..

22

'Kentucky 31' tall fescue persisted and was productive in association with

'Coastal' bermudagrass for three years in southern Georgia (Wilkinson et aI., 1968).

However, tall fescue stands were maintained with difficulty in bahiagrass in Alabama

(Hoveland et aI., 1978). Because ofa longer cool season, less drought stress, and a soil

containing more clay in Georgia favored tall fescue. In addition, bahiagrass is considered

to be more aggressive and forms a more dense sod than bermudagrass and thus is a more

difficult competitor.

Fribourg and Overton (1979) overseeded tall fescue on a established

bermudagrass sod to study effects of different management strategies; harvesting

management, N fertilization level, and fescue row spacing on persistence and

productivity. The combination of the two species extended the season of production of

the sod from five to nine or ten months/year during the each of three years and increased

the dry matter production about 25%.

Belesky et al. (2002) conducted a three-year-study of overseeding bermudagrass

stand with Kentucky bluegrass and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to determine the

influence of defoliation on productivity, nutritive value, and botanical dynamics of the

mixture. Botanical composition changed with defoliation and varied among years.

23Bermudagrass comprised as much as 55 % of the sward in mid- and late-season.

However, sward composition shifted away from bermudagrass to cool-season grasses

with less than 10 % bermudagrass by 1997.

Gates et al. (1999) reported tall fescue overseeded in either bahiagrass or

bermudagrass comprised 51 % of the foliar cover in bermudagrass pastures, but declined

from 61 % in spring of 1990 to 35 % in spring of 1992 in bahiagrass pastures grown in

Georgia. Pitman (1999) reported that tall fescue-bermudagrass mixture was maintained

successfully for several years in Louisiana.

Petersen and Moser (1985) conducted a study to determine ifhigh forage yields

could be maintained season long, while maintaining a desirable balance of warm- and

cool-season grasses in Lincoln, NE. They reported that with medium to high levels ofN,

a hay harvesting scheme, and irrigation; a mixture of three warm-season grasses [big

bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and

indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash]], and one cool-season grass [smooth brome

(Bromus inermis Leyss.)] was maintained over a three year period. The population of

cool-season grasses declined with the higher N rates, whereas the population of warm-

season grasses was not greatly affected. With irrigation during summer, warm-season

grasses maintained a steady density over the three years.

Bouton et al. (1989) investigated the effects of bermuda grass competition and

cutting frequency on rhizome production and growth among different tall fescue

genotypes. Bermudagrass competition depressed rhizome production, tillering, and plant

size across all genotypes. Highly rhizomatous genotypes survived better and grew larger

24in bermudagrass than non- or weekly-rhizomatous genotypes, indicating the rhizome

trait may impart better performance in tall fescue mixed with bermudagrass.

Seeding Rate and Planting Date

Seeding rate is a primarily a function of seed size. It also depends on the turfgrass

species, pure live seed in a seedlot, environmental conditions at establishment (Blaser et

aI., 1956), seed cost, growth habit, and establishment rate (Watschke and Schmidt, 1992).

Most cool-season turfgrasses are seeded at a rate that results in approximately 2 to 4

seeds cm-2• Madison (1966) reported that high seeding rates resulted in dense initial

stands that declined in density converging to a common level as the stand matured. He

also reported that disease incidence increased with higher seeding rates and plant. The

convergence of the number of seedlings following different seeding rates is an example

of an ecological principal known as carrying capacity. As stands mature, a balance is

achieved between number of individuals and the size of the individuals. The intra and

interspecific competition for resources will result in a stand population that does not

reflect the actual number of seeds sown (Rossi, 1997).

Seeding rates are dependent upon seed size. Areas receiving a lot of play or traffic

need higher seeding rates than areas that are being overseeded just for aesthetics. Higher

seeding rates provide more uniform color and cover for overseeding situations. High

seeding rates are needed due to seedling mortality rates in overseeding situations. Low

seeding rates have resulted in thin, stemmy, coarse stands while excessive seeding rates

have produced dense overcrowded turf that is conducive to disease development (Ward et

aI., 1974; Rossi, 1997; Mazur, 1993). If the cool season grass is too dense, the transition

from cool- to warm-season species in the spring may be slowed (Bishop, 1995).

25Research studies with tall fescue/Kentucky bluegrass seed mixtures indicated

that 90% fescue and 10 % Kentucky bluegrass by weight is the most desirable mixture

ratio. Davis (1958), using common-type cultivars, found that 85 to 90 % tall fescue

produced the best turfgrass uniformity. He found that tall fescue tended to segregate at

lower percentages. Davis (1958) suggested that ratios with less than 90% tall fescue may

yield a patchy appearance, because tall fescue is a bunchgrass and tends to segregate into

patches. Brede (1993) found that lower tall fescue percentages, like 50 to 75%, did not

cause segregation problems, when newer turf-type cultivars were used.

McCarty (1995) recommended a 35 g m-2 fine fescue seeding rate to overseed

lawns for winter color in Florida. For fine fescues, 40-125 g m-2seeding rates for winter

overseeding were recommended depending on the purpose of overseeding (Mazur, 1993;

Dudeck, 1999). Much higher rates are used for winter overseeding than for seeding bare

ground, especially on putting-green surfaces. Normal seeding rates on bare ground are

based on establishing an average of two seedlings per square centimeter of soil surface.

However, overseeding into an established warm-season stand requires 5 to 10 times more

seed (Dudeck, 1999). Rossi (1997) stated that higher seeding rates to delay stand

development is the logic behind the use of cool-season grasses for overseeding warm-

season turf for winter use. Initial establishment is dense due to space competition; the

plants remain in a juvenile state and are able to tolerate lower mowing heights.

Ultimately, cool-season grasses are not desired to persist in an overseeding situation. The

lack of individual plant and overall stand vigor is viewed as an advantage for overseeding

performance (Rossi, 1997).

26The recommended seeding rate for all fescue species in mono stands or in

mixtures is 20 to 30 g m-2, with the higher rate suggested for quicker establishment

(Dernoeden, 1998). In monostands of sheep fescue, hard fescue, chewings fescue,

creeping red fescue and tall fescue, the recommended seeding rate was 19.5 g m-2

(Dernoeden et a1., 1998).

In a winter overseeding of common bermudagrass, Dam et a1.(1989) overseeded

with annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue at a 50 g m-2seeding rate and

roughstalk bluegrass at a 15 g m-2seeding rate in late fall. Data averaged over the winter

of 1986-87 showed that tall fescue and roughstalk bluegrass were slow to establish and

produced lower turf quality ratings than the other grasses. However, tall fescue cultivars

were well established by spring and were comparable to perennial ryegrass cultivars in

quality. Annual ryegrass had largely died out by late spring. During the summer,

swards overseeded with tall fescue were very uniform with good appearance. The poorest

turfgrass quality occurred with 'Manhattan' and 'BIka' perennial ryegrass, or roughstalk

bluegrass. However, all the perennial ryegrass cultivars were sufficiently persistent to

give good cover during the second season. Roughstalk bluegrass showed very little

persistence and annual ryegrass none.

In a study conducted in China, Zhou et al. (1998) overseeded tall fescue on an

established zoysiagrass turf at 10, 20, 30 or 40 g m-2 seeding rates in September. The

density coverage and frequency of the two species were recorded at monthly intervals.

They reported 109 m'2 as the optimum seeding rate. Increasing the seeding rate beyond

10 g m-2significantly increased the density of fescue and, to a varying extent, its

27coverage and frequency in the mixture. This lead to a significant decline in all these

indices for zoysiagrass and an undesired progression towards a tall fescue stand.

Mazur and Rice (1999) studied perennial ryegrass seeding rate effects (90, 120,

150 and 180 g m-2)on perennial ryegrass establishment and quality of the overseeded

bermudagrass golf greens in South Carolina. Increasing seeding rate from 90 to 180g m-2

resulted in faster establishment and increased turfgrass quality. Turfgrass density, as

measured by leaf number, displayed linear and quadratic responses to seeding rates, with

higher rates producing the greatest leaf numbers. Leafwidth declined linearly with

seeding rate, suggesting higher putting quality, as did tillers per plant. Spring transition

to bermudagrass was slowed at high (150 to180 g mo2) seeding rates, with significantly

more ryegrass present in late May. Emergence and growth of bermuda grass were

suppressed longer at the higher overseeding rates. It was concluded that the choice of

seeding rate for ryegrass is a compromise between rapid development and maintenance of

quality turf vs. early smooth transition to bermudagrass in the spring.

Xi et aI., (2002) studied overseeding bermudagrass with annual ryegrass at 10, 20

and 30 g m-2 seeding rates on 21 January in China. Data were collected on density, cover

degree, growth height, and above and below ground biomass of both species. The best

turf characteristics were obtained with 20 g mo2 overseeding rate.

Cool season grasses are best established in late summer or early spring to take

advantage of favorable growing conditions. Late summer seedings are usually preferred

over early spring because competition from summer annual weeds is reduced (Watschke

and Schmidt, 1992). In addition to summer annual weed competition, poor

establishment may occur in late spring because air and soil temperatures increase and soil

28moisture levels decrease with the onset of summer. As a result, developing seedlings

require more intensive care to establish, and pathogens, like Pythium blight (Pythium

spp.) and brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn.) are more pervasive at this time of year

(Watschke and Schmidt, 1992). Beard (1973) indicated mid-August through early

September as the optimum time for seeding cool-season turfgrasses. Hull (1948)

reported that survival of seedlings of several cool-season grasses was low when planted

later in the fall, but survival of fall or late fall seedings was superior to spring. Dudeck

and Peacock (1982) showed that dormant seeding of the warm-season bahiagrass, either

alone or in combination with cool-season grasses, was successful, producing >90% cover

by the end of the first growing season. Diesburg (1986) reported that dormant seeding

Kentucky bluegrass in November was preferable to seeding in December, February or

march in Iowa, but not as effective as seeding in September. Reicher et al. (2000) studied

date of seeding effect on establishment of cool-season turfgrasses. In this study,

Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue were seeded on 1 Sep., 1 Oct., 1

Nov., 1 Dec., 1 Mar., 1 Apr., and 1 May in 1989 and 1990 in Indiana. They found that the

September seeding date produced the best establishment, regardless of species. Seeding

date can also influence the establishment rate of different species. Blaser et al. (1956)

conducted a field experiment to study the mechanism of competition in mixtures made up

of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and red clover

(Trifolium pratense L.) under spring and summer seeding. Establishment rates varied

primarily as a response to temperature and its effect on germination time and initial

seedling growth rate. Red clover seriously suppressed alfalfa stands and botanical

composition for spring, but not for summer seeding. Likewise red clover suppressed

29orchardgrass in spring seeding. He concluded that differential responses of seedlings

among species under spring and summer seeding are associated with botanical

composition.

Dernoeden (1998) recommended that fine fescues should be seeded between late

Aug. and late Sept. but should not be seeded after 15 Oct. in the transition zone or 1 Oct.

in northern regions. He also reported spring seedings from 15 Mar. to 15 May are likely

to produce inferior turfgrass stands, and indicated summer seeding should be avoided

altogether.

Overseeding with cool-season grasses too early in the late summer and early fall

often results in establishment failure due to warm-season grass competition and increased

disease problem (Meyers and Horn, 1970; Ward et aI., 1974). Often the window for

successful overseeding is fairly narrow (Bishop, 1995). The best date for overseeding

varies with geographical location. Itmay occur as early as Sept. 15 in northern areas of

the warm season zone and in Nov. or later in southern areas (Emmons, 2000). The

optimum time for overseeding bermudagrass was 15 to 20 days (Ward et aI., 1974) or 30

to 60 days (Emmons, 2000) prior to the first killing frost date and late overseedings are

slow to become established and more easily damaged by freezing. The onset of cold

weather can result in poor germination, reduced stands and generally poor quality

overseedings (Mazur, 1993).

Longer (2000) conducted research to determine if cool season turfgrass species

could be overseeded into established warm season lawns and provide year long, green

ground cover in Arkansas. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass were overseeded at two

planting dates at a 25 g m-2 seeding rate using two different blends of cool season grasses.

30The first blend consisted of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass and

the second blend consisted of three perennial ryegrass cultivars. Longer (2000) found that

mid-September plantings provided superior density and color ratings compared to mid-

October seeding. Early overseeded cool season species established and competed with the

winter weeds better than late plantings. This research demonstrated improved winter turf

color, when compared to the non-overseeded turfs. As a result the author concluded that

overseeding of warm season lawns with cool-season grasses was a worthwhile practice in

the transition zone.

31LITERATURE CITED

Agnew, M.L. 1984. Canopy/ soil temperatures and acclimation responses of Kentucky

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