Studio dell' aumento della sostenibilità nella gestione del tappeto erboso
Author(s)
Nassetti, Francesco
Date Issued
November 5, 2008
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Sustainable development requires special attention to high input agricultural systems. Turfs may be one of them, if managed by using high amounts of water, pesticides and fertilizers. However, turfgrasses have a beneficial effect on environment and human health. More sustainable turfgrass systems are needed. They necessarily have to count for a responsible use of inputs, while satisfying human needs (social and economic). Integrated approach is a good way to achieve such goal.
Two trials were conducted in Central Italy, in a sub-Mediterranean climate. First research investigated a tall fescue mix (90% Festuca arundinacea, 10% Poa pratensis), while the second one studied bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. ‘Princess’). whereas bermudagrass variety was ‘Princess’. In both trials, standard management was compared with a more sustainable management developed using integrated approach. The more sustainable systems were built with the aim of favouring turfgrass health, increasing natural defences from biotic and abiotic factors, and reducing stress related to cultural operations. In more sustainable systems, mowing height was higher, irrigation was deeper but infrequent, fertilization was reduced and late-season fertilization was favoured, biostimulants were applied, chemical defence from pests was used only in case of severe damages, topdressing was applied with a greater percentage of compost in comparison with standard management.
In tall fescue mix, turfgrass winter quality was higher in sustainable treatment as color was darker. This effect is not due to biostimulants. No differences were observed in the remaining months, suggesting that irrigating two times the week, replenishing 66% ETP is recommendable. Thatch depth increased in the sustainable treatment. Diseases and weed presence were negligible in both the treatments, demonstrating excellent turf health and competitiveness. Organic matter decreased in the entire plot, indicating that further investigation is required about the accomplishment of nutritional needs in sustainable management.
In bermudagrass, turfgrass winter quality was higher in sustainable treatment as weed presence was lower. This effect is probably due to the higher mowing height. No differences were observed in the remaining months. Clipping yield was higher in sustainable treatment. Also in bermudagrass, turf health and competitiveness were excellent in both the treatments, as evidenced by negligible pest problems.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Ortoflorofrutticoltura
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