element - saudi arabia species research 2003

Sports turf trial report - KFIS, Saudi Arabia 1

Sports turf trial report.

• 2002 -2003• Anthony Hemming Dip. Hort STM. Middle East & Africa.


Summary ………………………………… p 3Materials and Methods ……………… p 4 - 7Assessment dates ………………………. p 8Data research …………………………….. p 9 - 20Results ……………………………………….. p 21Monthly notes ……………………………. p 22 - 25 Plot Pictures ……………………………….. p 26 – 29Discussion …………………………………… p 30Contact ……………………………………….. p 31

Contents


The objective of this trial is try and establish a variety of warm season grasses grown in the Middle East conditions. A Ryegrass / fescue mix will be also used as a border and see if it will manage July – August period.

Summary

The trial will consist of 4 warm season species (Tifway 419, Seashore Paspalum, St augustine & Japonica Zoysia) each will species will have replicated 3plots x 25m2 with one plot under controlled conditions for the wear part of this trial.One cool season Fescue/Ryegrass mix will be used as a border to see if it can survive the extreme summer period.Establishment period is to last one year before commencing other trials within the same plot area, shade & wear trials will be then carried out over the following year.

Method & Materials


Method & Materials

Particle size Sieve Size Pan %

Very Course 1 – 2mm 5 %

Coarse 0.6 – 1mm 24 %

Medium 0.3 – 0.6mm 20 %

Fine 0.15 – 0.3mm 40 %

Very Fine 0.075 – 0.15mm 3 %

Below Silt / Clay 7 %

Growing medium – Local Red sand, KSA.


Method & Materials

Growing medium – KFIS Chemical Analysis 2003


Method & Materials


Warm - Season Turfgrass Species Trial for Saudi Arabia.

Description Environmental Soil Adaption Establishment Cultural Requirements Major Pest

Leaf Width

Growth

Habit

polystand

comp.

wear tolera

nce

heat resistance

cold hardn

ess

drought

resistance shade pH

moisture

salinity

method rate

sod formation

recovery

potential

cutting height (in.) nitrogen

irrigation ET

Thatch

control

Turfgrass

Species Disease Insects

dollar spot Bermuda mite

Tifway 419 M R/ST F E E P S VP 6.5 - 7.0 L/D E V E S E 0.1 - 0.5 0.3 -0.8 L M/H bipolaris leaf armyworm

microdochium sod web worm

pythium Bill bug

spring dead spot Nematodes

St. VC St P M E VP G E 6.5 - 7.5 H/M E V G G G 1.5 - 3.0 0.2 - 0.5 H/M H/M gray leaf spot chinch bugs

Augustine rhizoctonia

downy mildew

Seashore M R/St P E G P S P 6.5 - 8.3 M/L S V E E E 0.5 - 1.0 0.2 - 0.6 M M/H

paspalum

dollar spot armyworms

Japanese M R/St VP S G F E G 6.0 - 7.0 M G V/S VP E E 0.8 - 2.0 0.0 - 0.04 L M/H pithium billbugs

Zoysia rhizoctonia sod webworms

rust

KEY: S = superior P =poor VC =very coarse D =dry PG =plug Q =Quaterly

E =excellent VP =very poor VL =very low W =wet SP =Sprig

G =good Vfi =very fine L =low B =bunch CP =Control plot

M = medium Fi =fine H =high St =stoloniferous bg =bag

F =fair C =coarse VH =very high R =rhizomatous M =monthly

Method & Materials


Date Assessment Week/Month

31/01/2003 Establishment, pH, TDS, Temp, ET, Irrigation, Nitrogen, Growth, Colour

8 weeks

28/02/2003 Establishment, Environment, maintenance, Characteristics , Rating. 12 weeks



31/05/2003 Establishment, Environment, maintenance, Characteristics , Rating. 24 Weeks







Assessments


Month: December Football Field Shade & Wear Trial

2002 Establishment Environment Cultural Maintenance Characteristics

25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil

Temp pH TDSSun /Hrs

Shade

Hieght

(mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2

Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width

Growth

habit

Stolon

length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

pointRatin

g

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 19 9 25 0.7 3

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 19 7 2 12 0.7 3

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 19 9 25 0.7 3

CP 26 SP 1bg 19 9 25 0.7 3

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 19 9 12 0.7 3

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 19 7 2 25 0.7 3

CP 26 SP 1bg 19 9 25 0.7 3

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 19 7 2 35 0.7 3

Genius: Stenotaphrum

Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 19 9 25 3

CP 26 SP 1bg 19 9 25 0.7 3

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 19 9 35 0.7 3

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 19 7 2 25 0.7 3

Research Data – December 2002


Research Data – January 2003Month: January Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot

Date:Dec20

02Meth

od Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil

Temp pHTDS ppm

Sun /Hrs Shade

Hieght (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width

Growth

habitStolon length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

point Rating

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st VG 4

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st VG 4

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st VG 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st E 8

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st E 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st E 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 st G 6

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 st G 6


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 3 st G 6

CP 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st P 2

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st P 2

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 0.7 3 r/st P 2


Research Data – February 2003Month: February Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil

Temp pH TDSSun /Hrs Shade

Height (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habit

Stolon length

mmRoot

depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

pointRating 0/10

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 17 7.9 120 8 0.7 3 2 r/st 10 F G 5

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 17 7.9 120 8 0.7 3 M M 2 r/st 15 F G 6

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 17 7.9 120 8 0.7 3 M M 3 r/st 15 F G 5

CP 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 8 25 0.7 3 3 r/st 15 E G 7

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 8 25 0.7 3 M M 3 r/st 15 E G 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 8 25 0.7 3 M M 3 r/st 15 E G 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 8 0.7 3 7 st 20 M YG 4

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 8 0.7 3 M M 9 st 20 M YG 4


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 6 2 3 M M 8 st 5 M YG 2

CP 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 8 0.7 3 0.2 r/st 0 P YG 2

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 8 0.7 3 M M 0.2 r/st 0 P YG 1

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 17 7.9 120 6 2 0.7 3 M M 0.2 r/st 0 P YG 1


Research Data – March 2003Month:March Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil


Height (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habitStolon length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

point Rating

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 21 290 9.5 25 0.7 3 3 r/st 10 F G 5

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 21 290 10 12 0.7 3 * * 3 r/st 15 F G 6

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 21 290 10 25 0.7 3 * * 3 r/st 15 F G 5

CP 26 SP 1bg 21 290 9.5 25 0.7 3 3 r/st 15 E G 7

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 21 290 10 12 0.7 3 * * 3 r/st 15 E G 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 21 290 9.5 25 0.7 3 * * 3 r/st 15 E G 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 21 290 9.5 25 0.7 3 8 st 20 M YG 4

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 21 290 10 35 0.7 3 * * 8 st 20 M YG 4


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 21 290 6.5 25 3 * * 8 st 5 M YG 2

CP 26 SP 1bg 21 290 9.5 25 0.7 3 1 r/st 0 P YG 2

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 21 290 10 35 0.7 3 * * 1 r/st 0 P YG 1

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 21 290 6.5 25 0.7 3 * * 1 r/st 0 P YG 1


Research Data – April 2003Month:April Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil

TempWater

phWater

tdsSun /Hrs Shade

Height (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habitStolon length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

point Rating

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 27 8 280 8.5 3.5 13 0.2 10 3 r/st 300 120 E G 6

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 28 8 280 9.5 2.5 13 sclp 0.2 10 Bas 3 r/st 280 105 E G 6

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 29 8 280 9.5 2.5 13 sclp 0.2 10 Bas 3 r/st 300 110 E G 5

CP 26 SP 1bg 28 8 280 8 4 13 0.2 10 4 r/st 170 120 E G 8

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 28 8 280 8.5 3.5 13 sclp 0.2 10 Bas 4 r/st 250 120 E G 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 27 8 280 9.5 2.5 13 sclp 0.2 10 Bas 4 r/st 300 140 E G 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 27 8 280 8 4 25 0.2 10 8 st 280 60 M YG 4

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 28 8 280 8 4 25 0.2 10 Bas 8 st 350 70 M YG 4


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 29 8 280 6 6 25 0.2 10 Bas 8 st 250 50 M YG 2

CP 26 SP 1bg 26 8 280 8.5 3.5 0.2 10 1 r/st 50 P YG 3

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 29 8 280 7 5 0.2 10 Bas 1 r/st 60 P YG 2

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 29 8 280 6 6 0.2 10 Bas 1 r/st 40 P YG 1


Research Data – May 2003Month:May Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil


Height (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habitStolon length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

point Rating

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 25 7.8 280 10 13 13 2.5 r/st 140 E G 6

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 28 7.8 280 10 13 13 2.5 r/st 155 E G 6

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 28 7.8 280 10 13 13 2.5 r/st 155 E G 5

CP 26 SP 1bg 6 28 7.8 280 9 13 13 3 r/st 125 E G 9

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 6 28 7.8 280 9.5 13 13 3 r/st 145 E G 9

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 6 27 7.8 280 9 13 13 3 r/st 135 E G 9

CP 26 SP 1bg 26 7.8 280 10 25 13 6 st 140 M YG 5

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 28 7.8 280 9 25 13 6 st 135 M YG 5


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 25 7.8 280 9 25 13 6 st 120 M YG 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 26 7.8 280 9.5 13 1 r/st 210 105 P YG 3

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 26 7.8 280 10 13 1 r/st 15 115 P YG 2

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 29 7.8 280 9.5 13 1 r/st 15 125 P YG 1


Research Data – June 2003Month: June Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil

Temp pH TDSSun /Hrs

Shade

Height

(mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2

Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habit

Stolon

length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

pointRatin

g

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 7m 24 7.8 280 10 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 105 G 7

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 7m 27 7.8 280 9 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 165 G 7

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 7m 27 7.8 280 10 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 150 G 7

CP 26 SP 1bg 6m 27 7.8 280 9 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 140 G 9

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 6m 27 7.8 280 10 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 150 G 9

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 6m 27 7.8 280 10 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 155 G 9

CP 26 SP 1bg 7m 27 7.8 280 10 25 0.2 12 7 st 450 95 YG 6

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 7m 24 7.8 280 9 25 0.2 12 m m 7 st 350 105 YG 6


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 27 7.8 280 9 25 0.2 12 m m 7 st 350 95 YG 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 25 7.8 280 10 0.2 12 1.5 r/st 20 105 YG 3

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 27 7.8 280 9 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 15 115 YG 2

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 26 7.8 280 9 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 15 105 YG 1


Research Data – July 2003Month: July Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil


Height (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habitStolon length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

point Rating

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 7m 24 7.8 280 10 2 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 120 G 6

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 7m 27 7.8 280 11 1 13 m 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 125 G 7

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 7m 27 7.8 280 10 2 13 m 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 185 G 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 6m 28 7.8 280 11 1 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 195 G 8

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 6m 28 7.8 280 11 1 13 m 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 145 G 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 6m 25 7.8 280 9 3 13 m 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 150 G 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 7m 27 7.8 280 10 2 25 0.2 12 7 st 450 135 YG 6

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 7m 24 7.8 280 10 2 25 m 0.2 12 m m 7 st 350 105 YG 5


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 27 7.8 280 9 3 25 m 0.2 12 m m 7 st 350 110 YG 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 25 7.8 280 10 2 0.2 12 1.5 r/st 20 110 YG 2

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 24 7.8 280 10 3 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 15 120 YG 3

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 26 7.8 280 9 3 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 15 125 YG 1


Research Data – August 2003Month: August Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil


Height (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habitStolon length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

point Rating

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 7m 26 7.8 280 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 130 VG 6

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 7m 28 7.8 280 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 110 VG 7

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 7m 28 7.8 280 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 145 VG 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 6m 28 7.8 280 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 150 G 8

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 6m 27 7.8 280 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 120 G 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 6m 26 7.8 280 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 120 G 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 7m 26 7.8 280 25 0.2 12 7 st 115 YG 7

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 7m 27 7.8 280 25 0.2 12 m m 7 st 140 YG 6


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 25 7.8 280 25 0.2 12 m m 7 st 100 YG 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 24 7.8 280 0.2 12 1.5 r/st 130 E 2

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 SP 1bg 26 7.8 280 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 130 E 3

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 SP 1bg 28 7.8 280 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 120 E 1


Research Data – September 2003Month: September Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil


Height (mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habitStolon length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

point Rating

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 7m 29 8.3 240 10 2 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 110 VG 6

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 7m 29 8.3 240 9 3 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 165 VG 7

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 7m 31 8.3 240 10 2 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 145 VG 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 6m 30 8.3 240 9 3 13 0.2 12 2 r/st 160 VG 9

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 6m 29 8.3 240 10 2 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 170 VG 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 6m 29 8.3 240 10 2 13 0.2 12 m m 2 r/st 170 VG 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 7m 27 8.3 240 9 3 25 0.2 12 7 st 110 F 7

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 7m 29 8.3 240 10 2 25 0.2 12 m m 7 st 120 F 6


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 24 8.3 240 9 3 25 0.2 12 m m 7 st 115 F 4

CP 26 PG 1bg 28 8.3 240 9 3 0.2 12 1.5 r/st 450 110 E 4

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 PG 1bg 25 8.3 240 10 2 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 115 E 4

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 PG 1bg 26 8.3 240 9 3 0.2 12 m m 1.5 r/st 110 E 2


Research Data – October 2003Month: October Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil

Temp pH TDSSun /Hrs

Shade

Height

(mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2

Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habit

Stolon

length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

pointRatin

g

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 7m 21 8.6 40 7 5 13 0.2 8 2 r/st 140 E 6

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 7m 23 8.6 40 7 5 13 0.2 8 m m 2 r/st 125 E 7

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 7m 23 8.6 40 6.5 5.5 13 0.2 8 m m 2 r/st 180 E 4

CP 26 SP 1bg 6m 23 8.6 40 9 3 13 0.2 8 3 r/st 135 VG 9

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 6m 23 8.6 40 6 6 13 0.2 8 m m 3 r/st 140 VG 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 6m 23 8.6 40 6 6 13 0.2 8 m m 3 r/st 145 VG 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 7m 21 8.6 40 6.5 5.5 25 0.2 8 7 st 120 VG 7

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 7m 23 8.6 40 10 2 25 0.2 8 m m 7 st 540 120 VG 6


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 22 8.6 40 5 7 25 0.2 8 m m 7 st 500 125 VG 4

CP 26 PG 1bg 21 8.6 40 8.5 6.5 0.2 8 1 r/st 160 105 E 4

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 PG 1bg 21 8.6 40 6 6 0.2 8 m m 1 r/st 185 145 E 4

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 PG 1bg 21 8.6 40 5 7 0.2 8 m m 1 r/st 140 155 E 2


Research Data – November 2003Month: November Football Field Shade & Wear Trial


25 m2 Plot Date

Method Rate

Sod formation

Ave Soil

Temp pH TDSSun /Hrs

Shade

Height

(mm)

Thatch

control

Aeration

N per 100m

2

Irrigation ET

Fungicide

Insecticide

Leaf width mm

Growth

habit

Stolon

length

Root depth

Wear tolera

nceRecov

eryColou

rDormancy

Wilting

pointRatin

g

Turfgrass

Species

CP 5 PG 10/m 7m 18 8.6 40 6 7 13 0.2 9 m m 2 r/st 120 G 6

Hybrid Bermuda

1 5 PG 10/m 7m 20 8.6 40 8.5 5 13 0.2 9 m m 2 r/st 135 G 7

Specie: tifway 419

2 5 PG 10/m 7m 20 8.6 40 7.5 5.5 13 0.2 9 m m 2 r/st 165 G 5

CP 26 SP 1bg 6m 19 8.6 40 7.5 3 13 0.2 9 m m 3 r/st 115 E 8

Seashore Paspalum

1 26 SP 1bg 6m 19 8.6 40 6 6 13 0.2 9 m m 3 r/st 115 E 8

Genius: Papalum

Specie: vaginatum 2 26 SP 1bg 6m 20 8.6 40 8 4 13 0.2 9 m m 3 r/st 140 E 8

CP 26 SP 1bg 7m 18 8.6 40 8.5 3.5 25 0.2 9 m m 7 st 123 VG 6

St. Augustine

1 26 SP 1bg 7m 18 8.6 40 7 5 25 0.2 9 m m 7 st 540 103 VG 5


Specie: secndatum 2 26 SP 1bg 20 8.6 40 5 7 25 0.2 9 m m 7 st 500 90 VG 4

CP 26 PG 1bg 18 8.6 40 9 3 0.2 9 m m 1.5 r/st 160 110 E 3

Japanese Zoysia

1 26 PG 1bg 19 8.6 40 5.5 5.5 0.2 9 m m 1.5 r/st 185 115 E 5

Genius: Zoysia

Specie: japonica 2 26 PG 1bg 19 8.6 40 5 7 0.2 9 m m 1.5 r/st 140 115 E 2


The trial was completed results to date have concluded that the specieSeashore Paspalum had consistently out preformed all over species along the way.This specie while living in a pH of 8.6 and a low TDS established with in a 7 month period and 3 months if you consider the timing of the trial.All 3 plots had a rating of 8 at the completion of a 12 month period, it's cutting height was far superior at 13mm. It showed a root system of 140mm on average depth.It's cover today is thick, rich and healthy in appearance and is dense enough to endure the wear and tear fromfootball. However questions are still to be answered on it's shade adaptability for stadium use.

Results


Monthly Notes

The Establishment of the shade & wear trial has been slow due to the coldish weather and cold soil temperatures within the plots. Significant change's through the month of February wasthe set back of Zoyzia due to a shallow root system it was unable to adapt to less and infrequentirrigation. Seashore Paspalum is rating very high but also showing signs of less shade tolerantthan recognized. No plot has formed a sod at this point, being the 3 month since the trial wasestablished. However this trial will formally begin once all plots are established.Fungicide and Insecticide applications were carried out this month to help with the establishmentof all plots. Dogs have also been an unwanted pest on weekends, digging for water while disturbingthe areas with little root.

February 2003

The trial area was given a light maintenance, removing a heavy Infestation of Bicarbonates formingon the surface area of all plots. A decision was made to remove the surface algae and fine soil silts to help with the establishment. Each plot was scratched by a hand rake , then all plots were top dressed with 1mm of washed sand. The worst plots that were effected were the Zoysia Species.Soil temperatures are now at 22 oC and conditions are improving for all warm season grass's.Seashore Paspalum is still well ahead of any other species and should have a full cover very soon.Fungicide and Insecticide were both applied during this period to help with establishment.Soil pH is currently at 7.6 with TDS at 290ppm.Mowing of Seashore and Tifway at 25mm (Rotary)Mowing of St Augustine at 30mm (Rotary)Zoysia yet to be Mowed.

March 2003


April 2003

May 2003

The significant difference from last months inspection, is the soil temperature has increased by 8 degree

Celsius and most plots are now getting well established with the exception of St Augustine

plot No 2 and Zoysia plots CP,1, 2. Light cultivation was required on all Tifway and Seashore .

Mowing height was dropped to 13mm on these vigorous plots in order to achieve a even coverage.

Seashore Paspalum is still rating very high should have a sod formation by the end of next month.

Close Inspection of the root systems, revealed that Zoysia, (by far the least Established)

has actually a developing root system that is healthy and generating

new shoots, we should see an improvement by next month.

An application of Basudin Insecticide was applied to help protect against the likes of Billbug,

Black beetle and Armyworm, all are active at the present time.

Seashore Paspalum has now a full cover of grass and the root system has formed a sod. This establishmenthas taken 6 months including 3 months of winter. All plots have a root system below 100mm in depth,

including Zoysia. The warmer soil temperatures of the last 2 months would indicate to plant by sprigs during

this period (April - May) for a full growing season.The Seashore Paspalum could probably cover in 3 months.

Tifway and St Augustine have also improved during the last month, although the colour of St Augustine is not

the desired colour of a football field.

Zoysia seams to be growing at a very slow rate and should not be recommended for sprigging during field

establishment. Sod only could guarantee a quick cover.

Monthly Notes


June 2003

July 2003

The trial is well under way, with a significant amount of the plots well established, they have alreadyprovided data in relationship towards establishment of a football field within the Kingdom of SaudiArabia. Seashore paspalum was rated very highly during this phase, establishing within a 6 month period which included the winter months of January and February.All plots have established a reasonable root system, although in the case of Zoysia it is difficult tounderstand with such a little amount of stolons and leaf on the top of the surface. Most root systems are below 100mm depth.The St. Augustine plots that are in full sun are now requiring extra removal of top growth via hand weeding of stolons. Seashore has already been dethatched on one occasion and is now maintained at a height of 13 mm.Tifway 419 has a full cover also, but has recently been top dressed to level the plot for therecommended mowing height.

Monthly Notes

The Seashore Paspalum is rating very well during the hotter months, improvements have come fromnotably Tifway and Zoyzia. Maintenance of all plots have continued mowing 3 times per week.Vertti cutting of Tifway, Seashore and St Augustine have placed the grass in a field condition.Insecticide & Fungicide programs have been used on the same routine as KFIS allowing every possiblechance to establish each plot.Daily evaporation figures have been attained by ground staff from 3 evaporating pans within the KFISgrounds, with figures as high as 14mm per day have been recorded.


September 2003

October 2003

Monthly Notes

A application of 4gms per m2 of Potassium Sulphate saw a dramatic improvement on all plots

particularly the Seashore Paspalum. The pH levels of the soil now are getting quite high and need to

be monitored closely, but will not be adjusted due to Trial conditions.

Insecticide & Fungicide programs have been used on the same routine as KFIS allowing every possible

chance to establish each plot.

Zoysia Japonica was given establishment help this month buy staff turf plugging from the available stock

within each individual plot. This will spread up the establishment faze of the trial.

Seashore Paspalum has been a clear winner so far.

The Nursery area is in the best condition it has been for a long time with active growth on all plots and

available for harvesting when or if the moment arises.

Photo's on the left show nursery 3 just 2 weeks after establishment, and below 6 weeks after.

The trials are still establishing under the watchful eye of the groundstaff, daily maintenance such as mowing,

aerating, verti cutting, fertilizing and watering are all to the standard of a main field maintenance.

This coming winter will be a test each species winter tolerance.

Interesting to note the Ryegrass / Fescue mix has been exstremely succesfull surviving a summer during

the establishment period.


Plot Pictures

Established by Sprigging. Week 4 Establishment (Dec – Feb Winter)


Plot Pictures

Monthly measurements and ratings. Bicarbonates removing from surface.


Plot Pictures

5 Month Establishment period (Dec – Feb Winter) ET rates were taken daily to help Irrigation.


Plot Pictures

Monthly measurements and ratings. Ryegrass /Fescue survives June – Aug. (Extreme)


Ryegrass / Fescue mix showed very good signs of coping with the extreme period of June – August. A

Discussion

Sports turf trial report - KFIS, Saudi Arabia

Sports turf consultant.

Contact: Tony Hemming.

Mob: +971 (0) 50 465 3065Email: [email protected]

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element - saudi arabia species research 2003

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