Field Study of the Growth Responses of Tall Fescue to Various Bio-Stimulants.

Growth responses of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) to three Bio-stimulants (Bio-Turf-Pro, Encapsalt, and Ferrogrow) were studied in the field at the University of Arizona Experiment Station. In this experiment, a randomized complete block (CRB) design was used with 4 replications of each treatment. The growth responses of the grasses included shoot length, shoot (clippings) fresh and dry weights, and the grasses’ general quality. The grasses were grown by seeds and maintenance/cultural practices (irrigation and fertilization) were done during the establishment period and continued during the Bio-stimulant application phase of the experiment. The Bio-stimulants were applied at the recommended rate of each compound. The grasses were allowed to grow for 8 weeks at this phase of the experiment. During this period (8 weeks), the shoot lengths were measured and the grasses’ general qualities were evaluated weekly. Then, the shoots were harvested, and the clippings fresh and dry weights (oven-dried at 65 ^oC) were measured and recorded. Overall, the results showed, all the Bio-stimulants enhanced the shoot heights and weights as well as the grasses’ general qualities, but the enhancement in these parameters was not statistically significant among the various Bio-stimulants. The study parameters of all the grasses were significantly higher under the Bio-stimulant treatments compared with the control plants.