Response of Kentucky bluegrass turf to fertilizers containing dicyandiamide

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilization is of major importance in maintaining turfgrass stands. Although rates and sources of N may vary on different turfgrass areas, efficient utilization of N applications is always important. This research was conducted in the field to determine the value of dicyandiamide (DCD) as a nitrification inhibitor and as a slow‐release N source in turfgrass fertilization. The inhibitory effect was studied by applying ammonium sulfate (AS), urea, and a complete fertilizer alone and with 10 and/or 15% of the N replaced with DCD‐N to stands of Kentucky bluegrass. Single and split rates totaling up to 196 kgN/ha/yr were used. Soil NO₃‐N and NH₄‐N analyses sometimes indicated decreased nitrification; however, turfgrass yield and color were essentially unaffected by these rates of DCD. To assess the slow‐release effect of DCD, various ratios of AS‐N or urea‐N to DCD‐N were used to fertilize turf in two experiments. Initial response decreased as the proportion of DCD‐N increased, and in one experiment, a residual effect was noted a year after application when DCD comprised 80 or 100% of the N. Severe, but short‐lived, phytotoxicity from DCD was noted in the other experiment when more than 40% of the N was from DCD. Under the conditions of this research, DCD appeared to have little value in increasing the efficiency of N fertilization.