Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
After they are harvested, stolons should be kept moist. In most
situations, stolons are broadcast on the day of harvest or the following
day. On large areas special machines are used, but on small areas the
distribution can be done manually. Depending on turf-grass species,
condition of the harvested stolons, desired rate of establishment and the
level of post-planting care available, the amount of plant material needed
to cover 100 m 2 areas ranges from 75 to 150 l of loosely packed stolons.
Another way to estimate the quantity of stolons needed is to use the sod-
stolon multiplication factor. For cynodon and zoysia grass this factor is
around 10; it means that 1 m 2 of sod must be harvested to stolonize a
10 m 2 area.
After broadcasting, stolons should be covered by soil. Top-dressing
(see Chapter 8, this volume) with 3-5 mm of soil or sand is usually
sufficient to prevent excessive desiccation and possible movement
of small plant pieces by the wind. Stolons must not be buried completely
- approximately 15-25% of each stolon should extend above the soil
surface. Light rolling is also recommended, because it improves the
plant-to-soil contact. The stolonized area should be watered and main-
tained in a way similar to that for a seeded area (see sections on Germin-
ation and Post-germination Care, above).
Sprigging
Sprigging is a modification of stolonizing. It involves placing stolons in
narrow furrows spaced 15-20 cm apart (Fig. 4.10). It is performed mainly
Right
Wrong
Fig. 4.10. The ideal placement of sprigs leaves one-quarter of each sprig above
ground after planting in the furrow. (Drawing by R. Castro.)
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