Monday, November 5, 2007
75-17

Establishment of Bermudagrass Sod Using Subsurface Drip Irrigation.

Michael Maurer, Stephen F. Austin State University Library, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 13000, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962 and Justin Weeaks, Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University, MS 2122, Lubbock, TX 79409.

A field study was conducted to determine if bermudagrass sod could be successfully established using subsurface drip irrigation. Subsurface drip irrigation treatments consisted of emitters spaced a 30, 46 and 61 cm within the drip tubing and between tubing. The drip line was buried at a depth of 15 cm. A control with conventional sprinklers was also included. Each plot was sodded with 'Tifway 419' hybrid bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis). All treatments were watered in to rehydrate the sod. Soil moisture measurements taken to a depth of 7.5 cm indicated that all treatments had similar soil moisture content. Percent green cover three weeks after sodding was 62.5%, 82.5% 93% and 100% for the 30, 46, 61cm subsurface drip and sprinkler treatments respectively. This research indicates that the 30 cm subsurface drip irrigated sod can be established at a rate similar to sprinkler irrigated sod.