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Comparison of Methods for Evaluating the Response of Lawngrass to Irrigation and Nitrogen Treatments¹

The growth of a Kikuyu grass lawn on sandy loam soil was studied in a factorial experiment which included five irrigation frequencies (7, 14, 21, 25, and 30 days) and three levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 2.1, and 4.2 kg N/1000 m²/month). Four methods were used in evaluating lawn quality: visual rating, leaf chlorophyll content, light reflection, and plant density. All methods were highly sensitive in detecting changes in the condition of the grass. An increase in either irrigation frequency or nitrogen application improved lawn quality (higher visual rating, lower light reflection, greater chlorophyll content, and higher plant density). The light meter readings indicated regular cycles of color change during the irrigation season. Correlations between all the methods were highly significant. It is suggested that by selecting a desirable lawn rating and determining the equivalent level of reflected light, management practice could be regulated with the use of a photocell. The method is characterized by its simplicity, rapidity, and objectivity

² Research Soil Scientist and Agricultural Meteorologist, The Volcani Institute of Agricultural Research, Rehovot, Israel.

Received for publication November 12, 1965.