Determining the suitability of warm and cool season turfgrass for Van climate conditions

From lawns to landscapes to athletic fields, turfgrass are the main ground-covering plants. For the creation of sustainable green spaces, it is imperative to select grass species that are best suited to regional climate conditions. Traditionally, cool-season grass species are used in Van ecological conditions. In recent years, there have been fluctuations in the climate of the region due to global climate change. The rising average temperature and the threat of drought are remarkable. It is believed that warm-season grass species with higher drought and heat tolerance than cool-climate lawns can be used in the region. The aim of this study is to determine the performance of some warm-season grass species in 1700 m elavation under Van ecological conditions. The study was carried out in the research field at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. Hybrid bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis) varieties 'Tifway-419' and 'Survivor', Zoysia (Z. japonica), 'El-toro' and hybrid zoysia grasses 'Türkzoy', 'Anazoy,' and 'MJ-100' were used as the plant material in the study. Cool-season grass species commonly used in the region (Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinaceae, F. rubra rubra, and Poa pratensis) and a mixture of these species have been planted as control. After soil preparations such as removing weeds, and putting an irrigation system, the seedlings of warm-season grasses and seeds of cool-season grassed were put on the soil. Planting and seeding of grass seeds were carried out in the year 04.05.2023-23.05.2023 Data were obtained on the rate of establishment, overall grass quality and color, texture, grass density, and autumn/winter dormancy rate. According to the results, "Survivor" is the fastest-growing warm season turfgrass cultivar, followed by Tifway. All of the warm-season grass species/cultivars used in the study established 90% or more of the ground before entering dormancy in December, an average of 6 months after planting. All of the warm-season grasses used in the study, except MJ-100, are acceptable and provide superior grass quality. The hybrid Zoysia Turkzoy has been identified as a warm-season turfgrass variety that best preserves its green color and quality during the autumn/winter period. In the cool-season turfgrass group, the best performance was achieved with the perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and the mixture of entire cool-season material. In light of the results obtained in the first year, it is recommended that hybrid zoysia 'Türkzoy' and hybrid bermuda grass 'Survivor' be used in green areas to be planted in Van climate conditions.