Evaluation of Vitazyme as a Fertilizer Supplement in Increasing Turfgrass Resistance to Damage From Traffic.

            In 2005, 2006, and 2007 Vitazyme at the label rate in combination with a complete fertilizer improved bermudagrass quality in experiments conducted at the Tarleton State University Turfgrass Field Laboratory and Greenhouse in Stephenville, TX.  In 2008, Vitazyme alone and in combination with a complete fertilizer was evaluated on seeded Princess 77 bermudagrass under simulated traffic stress inflicted by a Cady traffic simulator (a modified Toro 09120) two times per week in two directions.  Vitazyme alone at either 13 or 26 fl oz/A, Vitazyme at either 13 or 26 fl oz/A in combination with a complete fertilizer (27-3-11), or fertilizer alone were applied once a month from June to October.  An untreated control was also included.  Chlorophyll indices and visual quality ratings were obtained weekly, while digital image analysis (DIA) for mean percent cover and gravimetric shoot weights were recorded biweekly. Turf shoot and root weights were obtained and measured gravimetrically in November.  Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) indicated that fertilizer alone and Vitazyme in combination with a complete fertilizer increased quality (chlorophyll and visual quality), percent cover, and turf shoot density when compared to the non-fertilized and non-treated test plots.  However, plots treated with Vitazyme in combination with a complete fertilizer were not significantly different from plots treated with fertilizer alone in most instances.  The study also determined that using DIA and a Field Scout 1000 Chlorophyll Meter were helpful in obtaining expeditious and non-subjective data.