Advances in creeping bentgrass late-season nitrogen fertility and fairway establishment.

University of Minnesota M.S. Thesis. May 2011. Major: Applied plant sciences. Advisors: Dr. Brian Horgan, Dr. Eric Watkins and Dr. Doug Soldat. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 115 pages.SUMMARY OF RESEARCH PROJECTS Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) has long been a desired cool-season turfgrass species for use in golf course settings. From greens to tees and fairways, it has withstood the test of time, becoming the most sought after turf by avid golfers and greenskeepers alike. After an in-depth look at creeping bentgrass management recommendations in the Midwest, two main areas are identified as lacking in supporting research: late-fall nitrogen fertility on putting greens and a cost-effective approach for fairway establishment in annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) infested turf. Late-fall nitrogen fertility has been regarded as an integral component in coolseason turfgrass nutrition programs for almost four decades. The benefits of this application from a turfgrass quality standpoint are fairly clear, though recent environmental concerns and rising nitrogen fertilizer costs have pressured turfgrass researchers to re-evaluate the benefit and efficiency of these applications. The late-fall nitrogen research herein focuses on creeping bentgrass in Upper Midwest putting green situations, with an attempt to quantify benefits and determine nitrogen uptake efficiency from various application strategies. Annual bluegrass is a weedy species, which has long been problematic on golf courses throughout the world. More time and money is devoted to controlling this species than any other weed, and most attempts have achieved marginal success at best. Greenskeepers are constantly looking for a cost-effective approach to establish creeping bentgrass in annual bluegrass infested turf. This research looks at a quick and effective way to increase creeping bentgrass populations on annual bluegrass fairways