Determination of the effects of different nitrogen doses and mowing heights on converting a bermudagrass lawn to zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrasses (Zoysia sp.) are warm season grasses commonly used in green spaces. Due to their low maintenance requirements compared to many other grass species, they are known as environmentally friendly grasses and their use in green spaces is increasing day by day. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different zoysiagrass cultivars, nitrogen doses, and mowing heights on the establishment success of zoysiagrass planted in a mature turf planted with Bermudagrass 'Tifway-419'. The research was conducted at the 'Antalya Golf Club' located in Antalya-Belek between 2023 and 2025. In the study, plugs of two local hybrid zoysia cultivars, 'Türkzoy' and 'Anazoy,' and 'El-Toro' as a commercial control were planted within the mature bermudagrass turf sward. The research was carried out using a randomized block design with split plots, replicated three times. The research tested the effects of three nitrogen levels (0, 5 and 10 g N m² year¹) alongside two mowing heights: 1,2 cm (fairway) and 3,5 cm (rough) on the establishment of different zoysiagrass cultivars planted within mature Bermudagrass turf. During the course of the study, data on overall turf quality, color, chlorophyll, and NDVI values, as well as the establishment rates of Zoysia cultivars, were collected monthly. The results indicated that the establishment rate of zoysiagrass within mature bermuda turf can vary depending on the cultivars used, mowing height, and nitrogen levels, and can reach an average of 75-85% within two years of planting. The cultivar with the fastest establishment rate was found to be El-Toro, followed by Anazoy and Türkzoy. The highest turfgrass quality and green color during the fall and winter periods were observed with Anazoy and Türkzoy varieties, particularly in plots where 5 and/or 10 g of nitrogen were applied. Based on the results, if the cultivar 'Anazoy' is preferred, a nitrogen dose of 10 g/m²/year1 can be recommended regardless of mowing height. If the El-Toro and Türkzoy cultivars are preferred, turf should be maintained under rough mowing height (3.5 cm) in the first two years, and the nitrogen fertilizer should be kept at a minimum level of 5 g/m²/year1.