Title:

Cultivar Identification and On-Farm Technology For Sustained Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Production

Objectives:

Our goal is to find, demonstrate, and inform growers of a practical, economical, non-hazardous, sustainable production system of grass seed field post-harvest residue removal and utilization as an alternative to the current practice of open-field burning.

1. To identify the physiological basis and morphological-anatomical indicators for variable bluegrass cultivar seed yield in response to mechanical residue removal treatments.
2. 1. On-farm tests to evaluate mechanical residue removal, weed control, and companion crop practices that maintain economic seed yields without annual burning.
   2. Conduct dust emission monitoring during grass residue removal treatments and assess potential downwind impact.
   3. Evaluate low-input, on-farm composting trials to obtain long-term results.
3. Perform economic analyses to determine estimated costs of producing grass seed utilizing mechanical removal and composting techniques compared to open-field burning.
4. Integrate research findings in extension/technology transfer into a production/economic knowledge base that will enable growers to produce grass seed in a practical, economic, energy efficient, environmentally sustainable system.

   Principle Investigators:

   Dr. Glen A. Murray
   Plant, Soil, & Entomological Sci. University of Idaho

   Dr. William J. Johnston
   Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences Washington State University

   Cooperators:

   Dr. Herb Hinman, Extension Economist, Ag Econ WSU
   Dr. Keith Saxton, Biol. Sys. Engr., USDA-ARS WSU
   Dr. Donn Thill, Weed Scientist, PSES UI
   Vickie Parker-Clark, Agric. Ext. Agent, Kootenai Co.ID
   Paul Peterson, Agric. Ext. Agent, Spokane Co. WA
   Dole, Bill, Warren, Mike, Growers, Kootenai Co. ID
   Cornwall, John, Grower, Spokane Co. WA

   Abstract:

   Floral induction was initiated by 11 Nov by Argyle and 19 Dec for Glade. Seed yields with three years crewcut-vacuum sweeping was generally highest for cultivars with shortest floral induction requirements. Under irrigation, third-year seed yield of Shamrock with burning was eight times that of bale only treatment (107 lb/a) and costs increased from $0.62 to $4.22 per pound of seed produced. Under dryland, third-year seed yield of Kenblue was not affected by residue management treatment and costs varied only $0.09 per pound of seed produced. Dust emissions from crewcut-vacuum sweeping were 1.5 to 16 times higher than other treatments. Composting reduced residue volume 75-85% in two years and improved with increased moisture and turning of residue.

   Justification:

   About 60,000 acres of Kentucky bluegrass seed are produced in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. All bluegrass management is predicated with burning as an option. Burning is being phased out in Washington which could reduce acreage and production in Washington and Idaho. Mechanical residue removal systems are needed that can sustain bluegrass production.