The adaptation of Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze and Festuca arundinacea Schreb. to three shade environments as affected by mowing heights
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Date
1980
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Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the (1) effectiveness of and validity of conducting turfgrass shade adaptation research under saran shade cloth vs. post oak tree shade, (2) shade adaptation mechanisms of Kenwell tall fescue and Texas Common St. Augustinegrass, and (3) effects of cutting height on the shade adaptation of the above species. Five microenvironmental factors and seven turfgrass responses were measured under 0 shade (full sun), saran shade cloth, and post oak tree shade throughout the season from February through November, 1977. Saran shade cloth failed to produce an environment comparable to the microclimate under post oak tree shade. Photosynthetic irradiance, light quality, air temperatures, and base canopy temperatures were lower under post oak tree shade than under saran shade cloth. Relative humidities and wind velocities under the shade regimes were found to be similar, and had little influence on differential turfgrass responses. Also, the turf under post oak tree shade had the advantage of exposure to sun flecking. Measurements of shoot density, shoot growth, turf cover, and turfgrass quality were significantly higher under post oak tree shade than under saran shade cloth. Tall fescue leaves were shorter and more prostrate under tree shade than under the artificial shade. Furthermore, the shade-month and shade-cutting height interactions were significantly different between saran shade cloth and post oak tree shade. Both tall fescue and St. Augustinegrass turfs grown in full sun had higher turf cover, turfgrass quality, shoot growth, shoot density, and shoot carbohydrate content and had shorter leaves than when grown under post oak tree shade. St. Augustinegrass tended to grow more upright under post oak tree shade which reduced light interception and caused removal of a greater percentage of leaf area during mowing. This resulted in a slower establishment rate and a weakened turf. Tall fescue leaf orientations were similar under both full sun and post oak tree shade. ...
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Keywords
Major agronomy, Saint Augustinegrass, Shade-tolerant plants, Tall fescue, Turf management, Turfgrasses