Abstract

Zach Shumpert

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the best drought-resistant grass. The game of golf is very important to me and I know that growing the perfect grass is a major objective in the construction of golf courses. Botanists and golf course designers are always looking to use the best drought-resistant grass available in order to save money. This project will give me an insight to the field of botany as well as landscape architecture. I think the rye grass will surpass the other grasses being tested in withstanding drought. The rye grass will probably live longer due to its specialized root system and leaf structure. This hypothesis will be determined through comparing the amount of time the four grasses remain healthy.

Four 10 oz. plastic cups were labeled with the name of one of the four experimental grasses. The cups were then filled with approximately 8 oz. of potting soil. A generous, even layer of rye grass was placed on top of the soil of its respective cup. An even layer of bent grass was placed on top of the soil of its respective cup. An even layer of bermuda grass was placed on top of the soil of its respective cup. An even layer of centipede grass was placed on top of the soil of its respective cup. Approximately 1 cm. layer of potting soil was then placed in each of the four cups to cover the seeds. The cups were place in an area of direct sunlight. The grasses' germination were monitored daily and their growth was recorded.

After a month of experimentation, all results were final. The bermuda grass proved to be the best drought resistant grass. It continued to thrive throughout the experiment. The centipede grass was just as persistent but did not really grow evenly. The rye grass grew the best from the start but wilted on the fourth week of experimentation. The bent grass did not grow very well and died a week after it sprouted.