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| Web URL(s): | https://turf.rutgers.edu/research/abstracts/symposium2002.pdf#page=41
Last checked: 02/06/2017
Requires: PDF Reader
Notes: Item is within a single large file |
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| Publication Type:
| Report |
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| Content Type: | Abstract or Summary only |
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| Author(s): | Heckman, Joseph R. |
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| Author Affiliation: | Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers University |
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| Title: | Recycling grass clippings sustains soil fertility |
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| Section: | Poster presentations
Other records with the "Poster presentations" Section
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| Meeting Info.: | Cook College, Rutgers, NJ: January 10-11, 2002 |
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| Source: | Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. 2002, p. 40-41. |
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| Publishing Information: | New Brunswick, NJ: Center for Turfgrass Science, Cook College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey |
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| # of Pages: | 2 |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Clipping return; Mowing; Recycling; Soil fertility
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| Abstract/Contents: | "Leaving clippings on the lawn recycles plant nutrients and enhances turfgrass quality. A recent study conducted at Rutgers condluded that when clippings are returned, an equivalent or better turf color can be achieved by using only 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year instead of the usual rate of 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year (Heckman et al., 2000). Leaving clippings was also found to reduce the population of weeds in turf. In 1994, the first year the plots with the two different mowing practices were established, turf color improved throughout the growing season where clippings were returned when compared to where they were removed. A darker green, more luxuriant appearance was apparent within four months of initiating the practice of returning clippings. The difference in turf color continued during the following fall, winter, and spring months. In subsequent years of returning or removing clippings, a better turf color was consistently maintained when clippings were returned. These results suggest that the improved turf color was a result of nutrients being recycled within the turfgrass system. When clippings are removed about 300 pounds of fresh clippings (58 pounds of dry matter) are collected per 1000 square feet of lawn in one year. Leaving these clippings on the turf would instead recycle an estimated (pounds per 1000 square feet per year) 2 pounds of nitrogen, 0.18 pounds of phosphorus (0.4 pounds P2O5) and 1.2 pounds of potassium (1.4 pounds K2O). Thus, the recycling of clippings after a period of years may be expected to maintain soil fertility levels better than when clippings are removed. After six years of comparing mowing practices soil test results confirm as predicted that higher levels of soil fertility are maintained when clippings are recycled (Table 2). Soil nutrient supplies to turfgrass were significantly greater for nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium where clippings were returned. The soil organic matter content was also increased by the return of clippings. These findings support the recommendation that fertilizer rates should be reduced when clippings are being recycled. Based on the findings of the current study and previous research (Heckman et al., 2000) Rutgers Cooperative Extension recommendations for turf management when leaving clippings are as follows: Use a slow release fertilizer to reduce surge growth and amount of clipping residue. Apply less fertilizer. The nitrogen application rate should generally not exceed 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year. Phosphorus and potassium application rates may also be reduced but the amounts to apply should be based on the results of regular soil sampling and testing. Increase the frequency of mowing during periods of rapid growth." |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 1 |
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| Note: | Tables
This item is an abstract, with table, only! |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Heckman, J. R. 2002. Recycling grass clippings sustains soil fertility. Proc. Annu. Rutgers Turfgrass Symp. p. 40-41. |
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| Web URL(s):
https://turf.rutgers.edu/research/abstracts/symposium2002.pdf#page=41
Last checked: 02/06/2017
Requires: PDF Reader
Notes: Item is within a single large file |
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MSU catalog number: SB 433 .R88 |
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