An Evaluation of the Establishment of Seed Propagated Bermudagrass Varieties for use in Horse Exercise Areas

Abstract

This study evaluated two different seeding rates, low (4.36 lb/acre) and high (43.6lbs/acre) of twelve seed-propagated bermudagrass varieties and evaluated their establishment during summer 2005. Plots were evaluated for percent vegetative cover per plot, seedling stand counts, stolon length, and rate of establishment. In addition, a survey was conducted from a sample horse enthusiast population to deteimine the need and interest for a variety of bermudagrass used for the sole purpose of turf durability and erosion control, rather than the traditional main purpose of forage and nutrient value.