Comparison of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) turfgrasses and their seed mixtures

Abstract

With dense shoots above ground, a well-developed root system and large amounts of biomass underground, turfgrass provides many environmental benefits, including moderating soil erosion, water runoff and leaching, contributing to carbon sequestration, moderating temperatures, and reducing noise, glare, and visual pollution. In this investigation, (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and common bermudagrass were compared in monoculture and different mixtures of 0 to 100%, based on the number of seeds used. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), a common lawn in Shiraz, was used as control. The experiment was conducted in a split block design (season as main plot and turfgrass types as subplot) and each treatment had four replications. Data were analyzed with MSTATC software and means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5% level. Turfgrasses were compared by measuring visual quality after winter and summer, rooting depth, verdure and/ or root fresh and dry weight, tiller density, and clippings fresh and dry weight. Results showed that, with the exception of mean rooting depth and chlorophyll index after summer, spring sowing is better than fall sowing. However, it can be concluded that the 80% tall fescue and 20% bermudagrass treatment is the best treatment, or has not significant differences with the other good treatments, except with regard to tiller density. This type can be used alternatively in overseeding programs in areas with soil and environmental conditions similar to the present investigation site.