Effects of mowed heights on the water consumption of turf grasses in Beijing

Water resources shortage in cities causes great attentions on the irrigation management of turf grasses. To improve the water efficiency of turf grasses, the effects of mowed heights(5, 10, 15 cm and without mowing) of three kinds of turf grasses(Poa pratensis, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne) on water consumptions were studied using portable lysimeters under full water supply conditions. Water consumptions of the three kinds of turf grasses were estimated from experimental data with water balance model. Results show that water consumptions increase with the increase of mowed heights of turf grasses, which differed for different species. The reducing percentage of water consumptions for the grasses mowed to 5 cm height are 36.78%(Poa pratensis), 34.02%(Festuca arundinacea) and 33.54%(Lolium perenne) compared with unmowed grasses. 34.78% of average water consumption is expected to be consumed. The determined parameters are useful for the planning and management of irrigation systems of three kinds of turf grasses in the areas under similar conditions.