SEMINAR: Plant Biology Research Seminar

Sandy soils have a coarse texture and are therefore fast draining. Consequently they have a very low water-retention capacity which may compromise turf grass establishment, growth and survival. Addition of soil amendments with fine particle sizes (e.g. clays) may alleviate this and increase soil water holding capacity as well as plant available water, thereby potentially reduce the requirement for irrigation.

In a series of laboratory experiments as well as through hydrological modelling we have determined to what extent a range of locally available soil amendments change the hydraulic properties of amended sandy top soils. In an accompanying field experiment with turfgrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum var. Palmetto), grown under two irrigation regimes, we tested the effects of these amendments on soil water status, turf grass root distribution, growth, leaf colour and leaf temperature.

Adding amendments resulted in both positive and negative effects on turf grass, although none of the amendments were able to maintain green turf grass under the lowest irrigation regime. I will present the results of this project, as well as ideas for future research in the Plant Biology Seminar of 21 September 2015.