Page 13 - Transitioning Turfgrass

6 ETS Field Days
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Photo 1 Turfgrass species/commercial varieties show different leaf texture and green colour.

Challenges the mix will tolerate some biotic and abiotic
stresses more than the others saving the sward
The main challenge is merely to have a green, when difficulties appear. But the mix design
dense and perennial turfgrass surface throughout is not easy, as species/varieties will compete
the year, as climatic conditions are very change- with each other threatening the initial bal-
able. It can be easy to achieve when turfgrass ance. As a general rule, one should not include
quality requirements are low as in big city parks more than 50% of Lolium perenne in the mix
or residential gardens, just using the only species as it is very competitive during implantation,
that is really adapted to the TZ, Festuca arun- or one should not include less than 65% of
dinacea. But it is really a big challenge when Festuca arundinacea in the mix due to its tex-
turfgrass quality standards are high, like in orna- ture and growing habit. In the same way, it is
mental gardens and sport facilities. In this case, a unaesthetic to mix different leaf texture and/
number of secondary issues appear and need to or green colour species or varieties (Photo 1).
be addressed like in an obstacle race: However, it is possible to grow in the TZ just
* Turfgrass seed mix design: mixing 2-3 spe- one species/variety along the year (the case of
cies or at least 2-3 commercial varieties with- a golf course green) but it is a risky situation,
in a species, is almost compulsory in the TZ above all if there is no appropriate manage-
in order to achieve a high quality turfgrass ment knowledge and input use.
sward all year long. Some species/varieties of * Turfgrass seed availability: turfgrass produc-

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