Cool Season Grass Seed Germination as Affected by Storage Time in Fertilizer

Abstract

Investigations were carried out with a blended starter fertilizer (20-20-0) mixed with seed of 'Kentucky 31' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), Jose tall wheatgrass (Agropyron elongatum (Host) Beauv.), and Vinall Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus. Fish.). The mixture was stored for a period of time in which the fertilizer had attracted some hygroscopic moisture. After 9 days in storage during which the fertilizer solidified, seed germination was not significantly affected. However, after 63 days in storage the germination was significantly reduced from 91 to 64%.