Q & A WITH PAMELA SHERRATT

What are your thoughts on using perennial ryegrass on athletic fields ?

Perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L .) is the predominant cool-season sports turf grass . It was originally introduced to the U . S . as an amenity grass , forage grass , and for soil erosion control ; and we ’ ve been successfully using turf-types since the 1960s . Although perennial ryegrass is revered in Europe , it is somewhat suffered in the U . S . The distaste for perennial ryegrass as a sports turf grass has always perplexed me , since I know just how great it can perform as a sports surface . It does have its challenges , but I believe its pros outweigh its cons . Let ’ s delve deeper in a point-counterpoint format :

Point : It is a bunch-type grass , and therefore does not have the capability to spread laterally . Counterpoint : Ryegrass is a prolific producer of tillers , and provides great sward density — particularly if mowed at the lower end of the preferred height of cut ( 1-2 ”). In studies conducted at Ohio State over many years , ryegrass has had recuperative potential as good as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue under traffic . In addition , it is very wear tolerant , and persists during heavy traffic .

Point : Because it is a bunch-type grass , fields must be constantly overseeded . Counterpoint : There is no such thing as an athletic field that doesn ’ t need to be constantly overseeded , regardless of turf type . On native soils , where traffic and compaction are commonplace , all cool-season turfgrasses need regular overseeding to keep fields playable and safe .

Point : It is slippery . Counterpoint : It is shiny on the underside of the leaf , which makes it look wet from a distance .

Point : It has poor heat , drought and cold tolerance . Counterpoint : Like bluegrass and tall fescue , it is a cool-season grass , and prefers air temperatures of 60-75 ° ( 15-24 ° C ) and soil temps of 50-65 ° F ( 10-18 ° C ). In extreme conditions , it may not be as heat and drought tolerant as tall fescue , or as cold tolerant as bluegrass , but it will survive in most areas .

Point : It is susceptible to grubs . Counterpoint : Like many other turfgrasses , it is susceptible to grubs . However , many perennial ryegrass cultivars contain endophytes that prevent attack from surface-feeding pests .

Point : It is difficult to mow in spring when flower stems are forming . This can result in poor mowing quality . Counterpoint : Modern cultivars and sharp mower blades greatly reduce or eliminate this problem .

Point : In fall and spring , ryegrass does not mix well with other grasses . The color is different , and the clumps of ryegrass stand out . Counterpoint : Ryegrass staying green longer into the fall / early winter and greening up quickly in spring is a major advantage for sports turf managers with fall or spring sports . Masking color differences can be achieved by applications of PGRs , iron or nitrogen fertilizers , choosing bluegrass cultivars with short winter dormancy , or spraying the field with a green dye in early spring . Some turf managers may also cover the field with a growth blanket to promote uniform spring growth .

Point : Ryegrass takes over the field like a weed . Counterpoint : The number-one reason it does so well is its ability to germinate and establish quickly . The ability to grow quickly means it can shade out the bluegrass and prevent seed germination and establishment .

Point : Perennial ryegrass is susceptible to a whole host of turfgrass diseases . Counterpoint : Yes , it is . No arguing on this point . If the conditions are favorable for a disease attack , ryegrass is prone to get it . Turf managers need to be extremely vigilant with summer applications of irrigation and nitrogen , and choose cultivars that have shown improved disease resistance . Where possible , especially on game fields , preventative applications of fungicide may be required . As a side note , however , because it is so quick to grow , it can sometimes survive a disease such as damping off much more successfully than slower-growing species . SFM

Pamela Sherratt Sports turf extension specialist The Ohio State University

Questions ? Send them to Pamela Sherratt at 202D Kottman Hall , 2001 Coffey Road , Columbus , OH 43210 or sherratt . 1 @ osu . edu

Or send your question to Dr . Grady Miller , North Carolina State University , Box 7620 , Raleigh , NC 27695-7620 , or grady _ miller @ ncsu . edu

50 SportsField Management | June 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com