This ODA trial has focused on four turfgrass species that are currently in use or could be used in home lawns in Ohio and they all possess different characteristics that could be considered beneficial for low input systems.
The four species in the test are perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne, kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis, Tall Fescue Schedonorus arundinaceus and hard fescue Festuca trachyphylla. These species have different identifying characteristics as well as growth habits. These differences can both help and hinder the success of each species.
Tall Fescue: Bunch type species that traditionally has had a coarser texture. This species has displayed excellent tolerance to heat stress while also exhibits relatively good levels of tolerance to insect issues. The species can be susceptible to the pathogen Rhizoctonia solanii brown patch but in general in low input lawns this grass species possesses high potential for use in home lawns in Ohio. Concerns about cold tolerance have reduced through breeding and once maturity is attained and survival occurs during the first winter then cold tolerance is considered excellent.
Mowing heights for this species are recommended between 1-3” and the species is noted for tolerating lower nitrogen rates already compared to other species in use. Annual nitrogen rates for tall fescue can be as low as 2lb/N per 1000ft2 in a low use situation and preferably using a majority of slow release nitrogen sources also. Irrigating to a 1” depth weekly is also not recommended for tall fescue – the current perception is that possibly 6/10 of an inch would be acceptable for this species.
Bullseye Tall Fescue is one of the cultivars used in this study
Perennial ryegrass: A second bunch type species which does not produce either stolons or rhizomes which would allow for natural spread is a species that is used across a range of areas. Sports field managers will use it for its rapid germination as well as contrasting leaf color and homeowners may try to use this turfgrass for similar purposes. The species is susceptible to some diseases such as rust Puccinia and a range of insects which will produce root feeding larvae. Further to this perennial ryegrass traditionally has required higher rates of nitrogen to create the desired colors and it is another species that in cold winter temperatures may be susceptible to damage.
Overdrive Perennial Ryegrass is one of the cultivars used in this study
Kentucky bluegrass: A spreading species that produces rhizomes has held a primary place in home lawns for many years in Ohio. The species is capable to tolerating very low temperatures and when managed properly can produce a high-quality lawn. The species however is susceptible to many insect issues such as white grubs, bluegrass billbugs and also armyworm infestations. Further to this, the species will go dormant during hot dry spells in the summer without irrigation, it will recover but patience is a virtue. The species is also susceptible to rust and summer patch Magnaporthe, and some other seasonal diseases. This means that the species needs inputs to produce the high-quality stand of turf but if done properly its medium fine texture is desirable result. The species does need similar annual rates of nitrogen to Perennial ryegrass 3-6lbs/N p er 1000ft2 but it does have greater cold tolerance which in Ohio can be important.
Moon Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the cultivars used in this study
Hard fescue: This subspecies belongs to a group of grasses known as fine fescues. The overall species originated in Europe and we see them most frequently on links golf courses over there. The issues arise with heat tolerance and wet conditions – the species grows best on sandy soils while naturally have limited nutrient availability. This means that hard fescue should be able to tolerate ultra low rates of nitrogen which would make it a very sustainable subspecies. The issue with the subspecies is that if in a lawn that is trafficked from kids/pets etc., in the summer – it most likely will not withstand the stress. Hard fescue has few problems with pests other than some red thread in spring it does have limited problems. The species is bunch type and so again the lack of spread is a concern. Potentially it offers a low input subspecies in Ohio and needs further research.
Nanook Hard Fescue is one of the cultivars used in this study