Influence of silica on growth, quality, and wear tolerance of seashore paspalum

Wear is a predominant stress affecting growth of turfgrass. Silica, which i s deposited in epidermal cells of leaf blades, may potentially increase rig idity of a turfgrass stand. This research was undertaken to determine if ap plication of silicon (Si) would enhance turfgrass wear tolerance, growth, a nd quality. This research was conducted during two consecutive field trials in 1998 on two greens-quality ecotypes established on a native Applying (T ypic Kanhapludult) soil at the University of Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, GA. Silica was applied to two ecotypes of seashore paspalum (Paspa lum vaginatum Swartz.) as potassium (K) silicate at two foliar rates (1.1 a nd 2.2 kg Si ha(-1)) and as a soil drench rate of 22.4 kg Si ha(-1). Potass ium chloride, which added K at the amount in the drench treatment(15.6 kg K ha(-1)), was also applied as a K check. Best turf quality responses on non wear plots resulted from highest rates of Si application as well as from th e K only treatment. A positive association was found between leaf tissue K concentration and turf quality scores, while increasing Si concentration re duced quality scores. Wear tolerance was enhanced either by K alone or by t he high rate of Si and K. Turf growth was not affected by fertility treatme nts. Enhanced wear tolerance, due to application of either K alone or Si an d K, reduced wear injury from 35% to 14% (K) or 20% (Si and K) averaged acr oss both studies. This may be attributed to increased leaf turgor pressure or reduced total cell wall (TCW).