The nitrogen requirement ranges from 2 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per growing season. Higher nitrogen levels increase the susceptibility of direct low temperature, desiccation and drought stress injury. The preferred cutting height is 1.5 to 2 inches. It will tolerate fairway and tee heights of cut. Mowing must be done with a sharp mower to maintain desired mowing quality due to the tough, fibrous vascular bundles in the leaves.
Irrigation is essential to prevent loss of stand due to drought injury.
For more information on perennial ryegrass maintenance, see NebGuide G80-462, Football and Intramural Field Maintenance. Perennial ryegrass is commonly used in mixtures with Kentucky bluegrass. It is often used where rapid establishment and soil stabilization are desired. Home lawns, parks, cemeteries, institutional grounds, fairways, tees, and athletic fields are primary areas for using perennial ryegrass mixtures. Most ryegrass cultivars are susceptible to pythium blight disease.