The objective of this project was to examine various
combinations of N and K rates on Kentucky bluegrass to
assess whether superoptimal levels of K uptake would
contribute to stress tolerance. The project was initiated in
spring 1999 on newly sodded Kentucky bluegrass turf
plots. Treatments included four rates each of N and K in
factorial design. Measurements of leaf temperature under
stress conditions indicated no differences in leaf temperature,
and thus no differences in transpiration, caused by
any of the treatments. The high soil test level for K (115
ppm), and a non-optimal application timing, were likely
responsible for a lack of response to K in 1999. The project
is continuing.