Influence of Nitrogen Source On Zoysiagrass Growth.

A primary objective of fertility management programs is to enhance the nutrient-use efficiency of the turfgrass plants. Despite zoysiagrass having modest responses to Nitrogen (N) fertilization, especially during the establishment, no available indication about the preference for mineral form is available. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effect of urea and nitrate as nitrogen source on zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.). Four zoysiagrass cutlivars (‘El Toro’, ‘Meyer’, ‘Diamond’, and ’Zorro’) were assessed for root, stem and shoot growth. Plants were planted in a USGA sand and treatments were applied with a modified half-strength Hoagland’s solution at five nitrate:urea ratios (1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 0:1). Results of growth analysis indicate zoysiagrasses prefer solution with a 1:3 ratio. Surface area and root volume were higher in treatments with urea. No specific difference between treatments was noticed for root diameter, number of root tips and root density. This study demonstrates that zoysiagrass’ preference for N form effects growth, which could lead to reduced N inputs and/or improved establishment.