Changes of Physicochemical Properties of Root Zone and Early Growth of Perennial Ryegrass in the Soil Treated with Leaf Mold

Dong-Soek  Lee1   Jong-Jin  Lee1   Young-Sun  Kim3,4   Geung-Joo  Lee5,*   

1Daeji Development Co., Ltd., Cheonan 31002, Korea
2PanKorea Co., Ltd., Daejeon 34151, Korea
3Department of Horticultural Science, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea
4Institute of Natural Sciences, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea
5Department of Horticulture and Department of Smart Agriculture Systems, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of leaf mold on the physicochemical properties of root zone and the early growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne Schreb). The blending ratios of soil amendments were 0, 10, and 20% (w/w) incorporated with sand which met to the USGA (United State of Golf Association) recommendation. In the root zone blending with leaf mold, pH was decreased than control while increased electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (T-N), available phosphate (Av.-P2O5), exchangeable potassium (Ex-K) and cation exchangeable capacity (CEC). After blended with leaf mold, it was improved soil physical factors like capillary porosity, air-filled porosity, and total porosity and growth factors like shoot length and the dry weight of shoot and root. The growth of turfgrass was positively correlated with CEC, porosity, and soil nutrients such as T-N, Av.-P2O5 and Ex-K (p<0.01). These results indicated that the application of leaf mold was improved the growth of perennial ryegrass by prompting CEC and porosity in the root zone and by enhancing soil nutrients.

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