2017 journal article
Zoysiagrass Sod Establishment along Guardrails: Evaluation of Cultivars, Soil Preparation Techniques, and Planting Timings
CROP SCIENCE, 57(2), 993–1000.
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
15. Life on Land
(OpenAlex)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018
Appropriately designed and installed guardrails are structures that enhance motorist safety; however, their inherent design requires additional vegetation management inputs to maintain safe, acceptable driving conditions. Establishing low‐growing, perennial vegetation under guardrails may reduce long‐term management inputs. Field research was initiated 17 Dec. 2012 and 3 Dec. 2013 along guardrails in Chatham, Lee, and Yadkin Counties, NC, to evaluate the effect of establishment timing (December, March, April, or May) and soil preparation technique (tillage alone, tillage + bed preparation, or vegetation strip) on ‘El Toro’ (Zoysia japonica Steud.) and ‘Zeon’ [Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.] zoysiagrass sod establishment and spread along guardrails. Sod establishment in year 1 was successful (>60% cover) across cultivars, locations, and techniques at December and March timings, with cover ranging from 64 to 90% at 90 wk after initial establishment. April and May timings resulted in inconsistent establishment success and are not recommended for North Carolina. Year 2 sodding generally resulted in unsuccessful establishment, which may be due in part to colder winter and dryer spring–summer conditions compared with year 1. Overall, El Toro sod more readily established and spread than Zeon, suggesting that it is a better species for establishment along guardrails. Tillage alone resulted in equivalent or greater sod establishment and spread than tillage + bed preparation and vegetation stripping, and it also requires fewer equipment and personnel inputs. Results suggest that El Toro sod planted in March following soil tillage is the most promising practice for establishment along North Carolina guardrails; however, water inputs may be required during moisture‐deficient periods following planting.