Effects of fiber implantation on Festuca arundinacea growth and nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient fate in turf

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of artificial grass fiber on the growth and nutrient fate of turfgrass in a stitched hybrid turf. We used the tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) variety, “crossfire IV” as the test material and no fiber treatment as the control. The effects of fiber implantation on turf quality, growth rate, biomass, nutrient uptake, nutrient residue in the soil, and nutrient leaching were measured. The results showed that fiber implantation promoted the growth of turfgrass and improved the turf quality. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by the turfgrass increased after fiber implantation. Nitrogen uptake by the clippings and roots increased by 30.0% and 40.6%, respectively, and phosphorus uptake by the grass clippings increased by 24.8%. Residual mineral nitrogen and available phosphorus increased by 33.9% and 87.0%, respectively. Nitrate nitrogen leaching decreased by up to 79.3%. In summary, fiber implantation promoted the growth of turfgrass, improved the nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency of turfgrass, and reduced the risk of nitrogen leaching.