Macro and Micro Nutrient Deficiencies on Tall Fescue
             In our experiment, different combinations and rates of Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus were applied to Festuca arundinaceae, or tall fescue. The goal was to determine which rate and combination would result in the highest rate of shoot growth.
             Tall fescue is a cool season perennial. It is used in areas with cold winters and mild to hot summers. General uses of tall fescue include as pastureland in some of the southern states and also as lawns, athletic fields and roadsides in certain areas. It is a coarse bunch-type grass that can have rhizomes that spread slowly. Tall fescue can handle soils that are wet, but also has good drought tolerance. Some of this drought tolerance can be attributed to the relatively deep root system it has. Besides drought tolerance, tall fescue tends to have a relatively good tolerance for heat and medium cold tolerance. Shade is tolerated by tall fescue as well. The ideal pH for tall fescue is from 5.5 to 6.5, but will survive under pHs that range from 4.7-8.5 (Beard, 1982-p594). Tall fescue has a medium cultural intensity. Mowing height of two to three inches is relatively high compared to most turf grasses (Collins, 1999-p 76). The high mowing height allows for more photosyn!
             thetic area than other commonly used turf-grasses.
             Nitrogen is a mobile macronutrient that is mostly available in pHs of 6 to 8 (Dole, 1999-p 68). Beyond the given range, it can be difficult or impossible for the plant to receive and utilize the nitrogen. Water is also necessary in order for nitrogen to be used by the plant. Nitrogen functions in leaf greenness, ability of the plant to recover from stress, quantity of grass clippings, root and shoot growth, resistance to disease, and cold, heat, and drought tolerance. The result of a nitrogen application is a sudden spurt of growth that depletes available nitrogen in two to six weeks. To keep growth at ...