Understanding the Cost of Turfgrass Response: A Comparison of N Sources

The use of various nitrogen (N) sources in turfgrass management can be a daunting task for consumers, especially when considering factors such as longevity and cost. In a recent study conducted at the University of Lauderdale, researchers aimed to determine the response longevity and area under the turfgrass response curve (AUTRC) of different N sources applied to 'Riley's Super Sport' bermudagrass.

The study, which took place in 2018, used a split-plot design with N sources as whole plots and N rate as sub-plots. The treatments included nontreated turfgrass, urea, ammonium sulfate, stabilized urea, methylene urea, ureaformaldehyde, two natural organics, sulfur-coated urea, and two polymer-coated urea fertilizers. Turf quality ratings were recorded weekly to determine response longevity (days quality ≥6.0) and AUTRC.

The results showed that natural organics were approximately 6-fold more expensive than urea in Jay and Ft. Lauderdale. However, during the fall fertilizer cycle in Jay, urea resulted in a longer response longevity compared to other N sources, except when applied at 98 kg ha−1 of N.

Turf quality ratings were recorded on a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 represented dead/brown turf and 9 optimal healthy/green turf. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with N sources as whole plots and N rate (N applied at 49 and 98 kg ha−1) as sub-plots.

The study highlights the importance of considering the longevity of turfgrass response when determining the cost-effectiveness of different N sources. An improved approach could use the longevity of the N source to balance the price. Price per ton and price per pound N are common price comparison methods, but determining the least expensive N source can be confusing for consumers.

The GraphPad Prism 9 software is a powerful tool that allows researchers to analyze and visualize their data in a more efficient and effective manner. With its advanced statistical analysis capabilities and user-friendly interface, Prism 9 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the complex relationships between different N sources and turfgrass response longevity.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of considering both response longevity and cost when selecting N sources for turfgrass management. By using software such as GraphPad Prism 9, researchers can gain a better understanding of these complex relationships and make more informed decisions about which N sources to use in their studies.

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