2642:
Influence of Topdressing On Thatch Decomposition

Monday, July 27, 2009
Illinois/Missouri/Meramec (Millennium Hotel St. Louis)
Dustin S. Parker, Research, Assitant , School of Plant, Environment and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Jeffrey S. Beasley , School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge
Ron E. Strahan, Associate, Professor , School of Plant, Environment and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Edward Bush , School of Plant Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
A common method to control thatch relies on sand topdressing.  In field trials sand-topdressing was shown to increase the relative humidity (RH) of bermudagrass thatch layer.  Therefore, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate temperature and humidity effects on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) thatch decomposition.  Thatch samples were subjected to 80, 90, 95 or 100 % relative humidity (RH) in small chambers at constant temperatures of 20 and 30 C.  Rates of decomposition were measured through changes in CO2 evolution using gas chromatography.  Thatch decomposition was accelerated at 95% and 100% RH than 90% followed by 80% RH regardless of temperature.  Also greater thatch decomposition occurred at 30 C than 20 C for corresponding RH.  Ultimately, this information will be used to develop models to help turfgrass managers design more efficient and effective sand topdressing regiments to reduce thatch accumulation.
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