1998 Iowa Turfgrass Research Report
Carriers for Corn Gluten Hydrolysate
Melissa C. McDade and Nick E. Christians
Corn gluten hydrolysate (CGH) is an effective natural preemergent control in growth chamber and greenhouse environments. The use of a carrier is being considered to stabilize the hydrolysate and improve its activity in a field situation. Two possible carriers for the CGH are being investigated in this study, humic acid (RL 37, Liquid Seaweed Foliar from International Ag Labs, Inc., Fairmont, MN) and a soybean oil (SprayTech Oil from Agro-K Corporation, Minneapolis, MN). The humic acid is thought to bind with the CGH particles to slow degradation, while the oil is mixed with the solution of CGH and water to encapsulate droplets of the solution, slowing its dispersal and degradation in the soil.
This study is taking place at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station north of Ames, Iowa. It is located in an area which has a mature stand of Kentucky bluegrass.
Three rates of CGH, three rates of humic acid, and three rates of oil are being used along with an untreated control for each factor. The experiment is set up in a factorial design with the treatments randomized in each of three replications. Each individual plot measures 5'x 5'. The rates used in this experiment are based on previously effective rates of the CGH and suggested rates for both the humic acid and the oil. The rates being used are:
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Treatments were sprayed onto the plots in May. The study area is irrigated as needed to provide a good growing condition for the turf.
Weed control will be determined by collecting data on percent cover of broadleaf and grass weeds during the season. Visual quality will also be assessed during the season using a 9 to 1 scale: 9 = best quality, 6 = lowest acceptable quality, 1 = poorest quality.
Analysis of data will utilize the Statistical Analysis System version 6.12 (SAS Institute, 1989-1996).
This study is ongoing and full data will
be available in the 1999 Turfgrass Report.
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ISU Horticulture:Publications:1998 Turfgrass Report | College of Agriculture |