Previous studies have shown trace mineral supplementation improves the
germination rate of various grasses. This study investigated the effect of
montmorillonite clay (trace mineral supplement) compared to a conventional
fertilizer, Sustaine NPK plant food. On February 6, 1999, one flat was
divided into two equal compartments. The control side received topsoil
only and the Sustaine plant food at the recommended label application
rate. The treatment side received 2/3 topsoil and 1/3 compost with
montmorillonite clay addition at the rate of 1 lb. per 10 sq. ft. Each
side of the flat was sown with an equal weight of PGA standard fairway
grass. The treatment side also received foliar dusting after all the grass
emerged on February 12, 1999. Both sides of the flat received similar
water, light, and heat. Visual observation of seed germination was
monitored and five 1 square inch plugs from each side of the flat were
taken to determine stem counts on April 3, 1999.
Results:
The montmorillonite clay and compost treatment side germinated in two
days; whereas, the control side with Sustaine took over a week. Fourteen
days after planting, the researcher described the control side as "slight"
germination, but the treatment side as "almost total" germination at an
even height of four inches. Stem counts from one square inch plugs of the
control (Sustaine) side averaged 49.8 compared to an average stem count of
152.2 for the montmorillonite clay
and compost treatment side as shown in
Figure 1.
Conclusions:
The treatment side of montmorillonite clay and compost increased the speed
of germination and germination rate by greater than three fold compared to
the control topsoil treatment with Sustaine plant food.
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