From Johnson’s Garden Center:
It looked like a
checkerboard lawn at the Kansas State University turf trials. Dr. John
Pair was doing research on turf type fescue lawns for south central Kansas just
south of Wichita.
The prominent
turf species had been K-31 Tall Fescue - a narrower blade plant than regular
tall fescue, which was introduced into North America from Europe in the late
1800s. In 1943, the University of Kentucky released the variety, Kentucky 31
and fescue establishment rapidly spread throughout the eastern United States.
Genetic improvement of tall fescue as a turfgrass species began with the
release of 'Rebel' turf-type tall fescue from Rutgers University in the early
1970s. As compared to the early varieties, 'Rebel' exhibited a darker green
color, higher density, and the ability to tolerate lower mowing heights.
Dr. Pair's
research was to determine the seeding rate AND fertilizing rate for an optimum
lawn. Typically K-31 was planted at 10 lbs. of seed for every 1,000 sq.
ft. With the introduction of Rebel and it's denser and less clumping growth
habit, he knew that less seed was needed, but how much less, IF the proper
feeding was done at the proper time. Small plots, about 2' X 4' were planted
with 2, 4, and 6 lbs. seeding rate. Then the different fertilizer rates were
given to each seeding rate. Fertilizer rates of 2, 3, and 4 lbs. of Nitrogen
per 1,000 were applied to each plot. What Dr. Pair's research determined was
that the lower seed rates looked as good or better than higher rates WHEN
fertilizer rates of 4 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. was applied in the fall.
ferti-lome has taken this information and used
it in formulation of their Winterizer Lawn Food,
which was especially made for the Kansas market. With an analysis of
25-0-6, 25% of its 20 lb. bag is Nitrogen, or 5 lbs. Meaning the 20 lb.
bag applied to a 5,000 sq. ft. lawn will give the lawn 1 lb. of Nitrogen per
1,000 sq. ft. Three applications in the fall and using ferti-lome For
All-Season plus Crabgrass Preventer will give the lawn
close to that 4 lbs. of Nitrogen that Dr. Pair's research showed was needed for
fescue lawns in our region.
Since that day,
almost 50 years ago, when Rebel was introduced, later generations of turf type
fescue varieties are available today, giving us improved genetics for our
lawns. The research from years ago still stands correct - fertilize our fescue
lawns in the fall for a great looking lawn.
Happy Gardening!
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's
Garden Centers
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