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| Publication Type:
| Report |
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| Material Type: | Thesis |
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| Monographic Author(s): | Martin, D. P. |
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| Monograph Title: | The Composition of Turfgrass Thatch and the Influence of Several Materials to Increase Thatch Decomposition, 1970. |
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| Publishing Information: | M.S. Thesis: Michigan State University |
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| # of Pages: | 42 |
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| Collation: | 42 pp. |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Thatch; Thatch decomposition; Agrostis stolonifera; Poa pratensis; Festuca rubra var. genuina; Hemicellulose; Cellulose; Lignin; Microorganisms; Carbon dioxide; Enzymes; Sucrose; Ferulic acid; pH
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| Abstract/Contents: | "The composition of turfgrass thatch was investigated to determine the chemical nature of the thatch layer and possible causes for its accumulation. Analyses of total cell wall, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin content on two layers of Toronto creeping bentgrass, Merion Kentucky bluegrass, and Pennlawn red fescue thatch were made and used as an indication of the state of thatch decomposition. The same determinations were also made on the individual leaf, stem, and root components of these three turf species. Comparisons could then be made to ascertain which plant component comprised most of the thatch layer. Total cell wall content was significantly lower in Toronto creeping bentgrass thatch than the other two species, as were hemicellulose and cellulose in the lower thatch layer. Lignin, the most resistant plant constituent to microbial activity, was found in greatest quantities in the thatch layer nearest the soil, decreasing upward. Red fescue thatch contained higher percentages of lignin than the other two species. Total cell wall content was considerably higher in the roots than the leaves in all the species studied, and also higher than the stems in creeping bentgrass. Hemicellulose and cellulose constituents were variable between leaf, stem, and root material depending on the species. Lignin content was highest in the roots, followed in order by the stems and leaves. Total lignin content of the plant was in the order of red fescue>creeping bentgrass>Kentuucky bluegrass. In a second investigation, carbon dioxide evolution was utilized as an indicator of microbial activity under in vitro conditions. An attempt was made to increase biological degradation of thatch by the addition of (a) two enzymes, pectinase and cellulase, (b) sucrose, and (c) ferulic acid, a lignin precursor. In addition, pH levels ranging from three to nine were briefly investigated for their effect on microorganism activity. A sealed environment was maintained at 24 C for 24 hours at which time gas samples were analyzed for CO2 content using a gas chromatograph. Turf plugs were incubated with the same four materials in a controlled environment in order to investigate degradation under more natural conditions. Weight loss of the thatch and total cell wall content determinations were used as an indication of decomposition. Increased carbon dioxide evolution resulted as rates of material were increased. Peak production did not occur until the third day when the two enzymes were added at high rates. Maximum increases in carbon dioxide evolution were obtained from the additions of pectinase and sucrose. Although conclusive proof was lacking for the added carbon source to have been completely utilized, the trends strongly suggest that additional thatch decomposition resulted from the addition of these materials. A pH of six was optimum for microbial activity, with five and seven also favorable. Acidid conditions were superior to alkaline conditions for thatch decomposition. In the controlled environment chamber study, total cell wall determinations indicated thatch treated with pectinase and ferulic acid was decomposing at a more rapid rate than the untreated thatch." |
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Library of Congress
Subject Headings: | Grasses |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 33 |
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| See Also: | See also summary article "Investigations of turfgrass thatch" Michigan Turfgrass Report, Spring 1971, p. 7-8, R=228583. R=228583 |
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| See Also: | Other items relating to: BIOTHATCH |
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| Note: | Tables |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Martin, D. P. 1970. The Composition of Turfgrass Thatch and the Influence of Several Materials to Increase Thatch Decomposition. M.S. Thesis: Michigan State University. |
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