Study Shows Celebration Bermudagrass Needs Less Nitrogen Than Tifway 419

 

Celebration Bermudagrass requires less nitrogen input to grow effectively than Tifway 419.  These are the findings of a new nitrogen study done by the research firm Agricumbia.  The study found Celebration, using considerably less nitrogen, had a faster grow-in time than 419.   

Celebration (left) vs. 419 (right)
These were the first year results of a two year study comparing the response of Celebration and 419 to reduced nitrogen fertilizer rates in both a sod production and home owner maintenance regime.  The findings showed the Celebration plot was able to be lifted up one week earlier than 419.  Celebration also filled in quickly at 40 units of nitrogen per acre while 419 needed 80 units.                

Nitrogen fertilizer can be harmful to the surrounding ecosystem if it is permitted to seep into the water supply.  Thus lower nitrogen input needs make Celebration a more "environmentally friendly" turfgrass than 419.  Consequently turfgrass grow-in time directly affects the income of sod producers, superintendents and landscape professionals.  A more rapid grow-in time means quicker harvesting, sales, installation and injury recovery of the turf.  The research also showed Celebration to have a much faster re-growth than 419 after being scalped.  

While the first year of the study (2007) looked at nitrogen use and grow-in from a sod producer's perspective, year two (2008) will focus on implications for the homeowner.  Homeowners tend to over saturate their lawns with nitrogen.  So finding a grass that needs less nitrogen to grow and green-up is environmentally beneficial.       


Link to the full research report