RESPONSE OF A COOL-SEASON TURF MIXTURE TO COMPOSTED CHICKEN MANURE IN A MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT

The current study addresses the effects of topdressing composted chicken manure on established turf and comparing the composted chicken manure to a chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Turf color, quality and clipping yields were correlated with N sources and application timing. Monthly fertilization resulted in a more uniform color and turf quality and less clipping yields than did comparable amounts of all N sources applied each as a single application in spring and spring and fall (S + F). The monthly and/or S + F topdressing of chicken manure composts increased the color and quality ratings of the turf mixture during the growing season but did not greatly affect the clipping production.