Over several years, native bentgrasses replace less vigorous or mowed turfgrasses maintained under low-fertility conditions. Kentucky bluegrass is a vigorous creeping perennial that is particularly well adapted to conditions east of the Cascades where winter temperatures fluctuate. Optimum growth occurs at neutral or alkaline soil pH. Recuperation is excellent after injury to the turf. Perennial ryegrass cultivars, especially new turfgrass varieties, offer new dimensions for perennial sods in horticultural crops. Ryegrasses germinate and establish quickly, thereby suppressing many weeds and preventing weed infestations.
Perennial ryegrasses provide early cover for improved trafficability and erosion control.
After establishment, ryegrasses exhibit good wear tolerance but recuperate poorly with excessive traffic because they do not spread and fill-in bare areas. Ryegrass withstands drought in non-irrigated crops but lacks extreme cold tolerance, especially at higher elevations. Moderate fertility levels are required, or turf density will thin and weeds will begin to encroach. Ryegrass root systems are moderately dense, especially in the top 1 to 2 feet of soil. Grass growth can be stimulated rapidly wit h nitrogen fertilizer or suppressed by withholding fertilizer and water.