Evaluation Coverage of "Zoysia japonica" Under Different Water and Compaction Managements in Sod Production.

The knowledge of soil compaction and its relationship to the system of sod harvest is important to proper management of soil physical conditions and to improve the Zoysiagrass sod production. The required level of compression for sods harvest must interfere as little as possible in the following grass development. It requires an appropriated management of water content and compaction at the moment of harvest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation and the level of compression to provide the minimal soil compaction underneath the area where the carpet was removed, so that the subsequent development of the lawn may occur quickly and appropriately. The experiment was conducted in a grass production farm, mechanically harvested, called Gramas Xavier. The specie selected is Zoysia japonica Steud., grass knowed as Zoysiagrass. Plots were arranged in a split-plot experimental design with four replications, with 48 experimental units in total. There were considered two factors of variation: water and compaction intensity. The factor water level was established in the day before the establishment of the soil compaction; the factor compaction intensity was applied by varying the loading level in the soil and using a roller compactor at the time of the sods harvest. The green coverage rate was analyzed because it reflects the time of sod formation. The average data show that green coverage for development of the sod was more than 12 months, not the ideal situation for conditions in Brazil, since in the 360 days after the harvest the highest percentage of green cover obtained was 93%, on 15 mm irrigation and 12 compression roll passed treatment, but this factor was not limiting the harvest operation of the grass sods.