Conversion of Kentucky Bluegrass Rough to No-Mow, Low-Input Grasses

With golf course water, fertilizer, and pesticide restrictions on the rise and labor costs continuing to increase, golf course superintendents are looking for ways to reduce maintained Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) rough. The objective of this study was to (i) compare several methods for converting Kentucky bluegrass rough to no-mow, low-input grasses and (ii) determine the best turfgrass species that provides a playable and aesthetically pleasing turfgrass stand for this type of conversion. Five grass species and five conversion methods were evaluated at two locations in Minnesota. Data collected included visual stand quality, tendency for lodging, inflorescence counts, biomass production, Kentucky bluegrass regrowth, and broadleaf weed invasion. At Maple Grove, the fumigation treatment provided the highest visual stand quality ratings and the sod removal treatment at St. Paul provided the highest visual stand quality. Only sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.) was able to provide acceptable visual stand quality by Year 2 and only at St. Paul. Chewing's fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. Commutata Gaudin) and strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L.ssp. rubra) were best at resisting broadleaf weed invasion at both locations. Hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey) was best at resisting lodging along with strong creeping red fescue in Year 2 at both locations.