Nitrogen fertilizer and clover inclusion effects on the establishment of fine fescue taxa

[摘要] Little information exists on establishment vigor differences among fine fescue taxa ( Festuca L. spp.) and on the effects N fertilizer levels or clover ( Trifolium L. spp.)-inclusion during establishment. Five replicated field experiments in Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon were conducted from 2019 to 2021. Data collection continued for 9 mo after planting to investigate differences among four fine fescue taxa and determine optimal N fertility or clover-inclusion programs for the establishment of fine fescue taxa. Six N fertilizer levels ranged from 0 to 122.5 kg N ha −1 during the 8 wk after planting, and two treatments included clover-inclusion + 0 kg N ha −1 at seeding. The three taxa of the Festuca rubra complex—strong creeping red fescue ( F. rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin), slender creeping red fescue [ F . rubra ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier], and Chewings fescue ( F . rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin)—were similar to one another and required the shortest amount of time until 90% establishment (i.e., faster establishment) compared with hard fescue ( Festuca brevipila Tracey). Providing 24.5 kg N ha −1 at seeding hastened establishment of all fine fescues compared with no N fertilizer (0 kg N ha −1 ). Applying 49 kg N ha −1 at establishment provided faster establishment than the 24.5 kg N ha −1 treatment; however, treatments receiving 73.5–122.5 kg N ha −1 during the first 8 wk after planting provided a similar rate of establishment as 49 kg N ha −1 . Inclusion of clover with fine fescue resulted in slower establishment than fertilizer levels of ≥24.5 kg N ha −1 .

[学科分类] 农业科学（综合）