Evaluation of Foliar N Regime and Reduced Aeration on 'tifeagle' and 'champion' Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Greens in the Transition Zone.

Superintendents and golf course managers are constantly searching for ways to reduce costs without compromising turf performance.  To study the effects of reduced aeration and foliar nitrogen (N) fertilization on warm-season golf course greens, a two year study was conducted during summer of 2012 through fall of 2013 at the Clemson Turfgrass Research Center, Clemson SC.  The study was a split-plot design investigating two cultivars (‘MiniVerde’ and ‘TifEagle’ bermudagrass), two hollow tine aeration regimes (1x and 2x per season) and two nitrogen fertility programs (196 and 392 kg N ha^-1 annually). Nitrogen fertility was applied foliarly on a 7-10 d interval with a CO₂ backpack sprayer. Parameters measured were turf quality, chlorophyll content, ball roll distance (BRD), thatch depth and content. The results suggest 2x aeration regime increases TQ and decreases total organic matter. Increased N input increased TQ and chlorophyll content but with a tradeoff of decreased BRD. This indicates there are needs to be a balanced fertility program between 196 and 392 kg N ha^-1 for aesthetics and turf health without losing playability.