Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Sprigging

Sprigging is a vegetative propagation technique employed in horticulture for establishing turfgrass, particularly warm-season varieties like bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, by planting individual sprigs—short sections of stolons (above-ground runners) or rhizomes (underground stems) that include at least one node and crown, from which roots will develop—into prepared soil at spaced intervals, typically in furrows or holes spaced 6 to 12 inches apart.^[1]^[2]^[3] This method contrasts with seeding or sodding by relying on clonal propagation from mature donor turf, allowing for rapid coverage in areas where seed germination is unreliable or unavailable for certain grass species.^[4]^[5] Sprigging is especially suited for sloped terrains, athletic fields, golf courses, and large-scale lawns, as it minimizes soil disturbance while promoting lateral spread through the grass's natural growth habit.^[6]^[7] The process begins with harvesting sprigs from established stands, ideally during active growth periods like late spring or summer for warm-season grasses, ensuring sprigs are planted within 24 to 48 hours to maintain viability.^[7]^[2] Preparation involves tilling the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, removing debris, and sometimes incorporating fertilizers or lime based on soil tests, followed by broadcasting or row-planting the sprigs and lightly covering them with soil or mulch to encourage rooting.^[1]^[3] Initial establishment can take 4 to 12 weeks for full coverage, depending on factors such as sprig density (often 10 to 20 bushels per 1,000 square feet), irrigation, and temperature, with supplemental watering critical to prevent desiccation.^[4]^[6] Advantages of sprigging include cost-effectiveness for large areas compared to sodding, preservation of the grass's genetic uniformity, and adaptability to challenging sites like erosion-prone slopes, though it requires patience during the slow initial rooting phase and may demand higher labor for harvesting and planting.^[5]^[8] Modern innovations, such as mechanical sprigging machines and hydrosprigging (spraying a slurry of sprigs and water), have enhanced efficiency for commercial applications like sports turf renovation.^[4]^[9]

Overview

Definition

Sprigging is a vegetative propagation technique used to establish turfgrass stands by planting small sections of the grass known as sprigs. These sprigs are typically derived from rhizomes (underground stems) or stolons (aboveground stems) of mature turf, cut into pieces that include at least one node, along with associated crowns, roots, and growing points to enable rooting and lateral spread.^[10]^[11] Unlike seeding, which relies on sexual reproduction, sprigging is asexual and preserves the genetic characteristics of the parent plant, making it ideal for propagating sterile or hybrid varieties that do not produce viable seeds.^[12] A key component of an effective sprig is the inclusion of viable nodes—joints on the stem from which new roots, shoots, and tillers can emerge—ideally with 2 to 4 nodes per piece to promote rapid establishment.^[11] Sprigs are usually harvested by shredding or tearing established sod, resulting in fragments that may retain some soil but are generally free of it to facilitate handling and planting.^[13] The basic process begins with cutting sprigs from a donor field during the grass's active growth phase, followed by immediate preparation to prevent desiccation, and then placement into prepared soil sites such as furrows or holes spaced 6 to 12 inches apart.^[2]^[1] This method is commonly applied to warm-season grasses like bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), which spreads aggressively via stolons and rhizomes, allowing a single sprig to develop into a dense turf cover over time.^[7]

History

By the mid-18th century, bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) was introduced to the southern United States, likely from Africa or India via contaminated hay or by colonists, and was propagated vegetatively due to its stoloniferous growth habit, facilitating rapid spread in warm climates.^[14]^[15] The 20th century marked widespread adoption in U.S. southern turf management, particularly after the 1950s, as bermudagrass cultivars like 'Tifgreen' (released 1956) proved sterile and required vegetative establishment via sprigs for golf courses, lawns, and sports fields in the region.^[14] Key milestones included the post-World War II expansion of sports facilities, where sprigging enabled efficient coverage of large areas for bermudagrass on golf fairways and athletic fields amid a surge in recreational development across the South.^[16] The introduction of mechanical spriggers in the 1950s, such as the two-row planter developed by agricultural engineer James Stephens at the University of Georgia's Coastal Plain Experiment Station, revolutionized the process by increasing planting precision and speed for commercial-scale applications.^[17] This evolution from manual, labor-intensive sprigging—reliant on hand-cut sections broadcast or planted individually—to mechanized systems in the 1960s supported large-scale farming and turf production, reducing establishment time from months to weeks while accommodating the demands of expanding agriculture and recreation industries.^[18]

Methods

Manual and Mechanical Sprigging

Manual sprigging is a labor-intensive technique for establishing turfgrass by planting individual vegetative sprigs—sections of stolons, rhizomes, and roots—directly into the soil. This method allows for precise placement and is commonly applied to warm-season species such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), which propagate vegetatively.^[19]^[1] Sprigs are harvested from established donor fields to ensure viability, typically using sod cutters or mowers set to cut at ground level, producing pieces 4-6 inches long that include roots and multiple nodes.^[1]^[20] Harvesting should occur in early spring or late winter for dormant sprigs, with the material kept moist and planted within 24 hours to prevent desiccation.^[7] In the manual process, workers hand-cut sprigs from the donor area if small quantities are needed, then dig shallow furrows or individual holes spaced 6-12 inches apart across the planting site.^[1] The sprigs are placed into these furrows or holes and buried 1-2 inches deep, with soil gently firmed over them to ensure contact and stability; approximately one-third of the sprig may remain above the surface for initial growth.^[7]^[1] Mechanical sprigging enhances efficiency for larger areas, employing tractor-pulled row planters or specialized spriggers that open furrows and deposit sprigs in a controlled manner.^[7] These machines, such as those with coulter blades for soil penetration, space rows 20-30 inches apart and drop sprigs 2-3 inches deep before closing the furrow with press wheels to promote rooting.^[7] Typical application rates range from 10-20 bushels per 1,000 square feet (equivalent to approximately 435-870 bushels per acre), where one bushel approximates 1.25 cubic feet or about 1,000 sprigs, allowing for gradual coverage as the grass spreads via stolons and rhizomes.^[7]^[6] Post-planting care begins immediately to support establishment, with an initial irrigation of 0.25-0.5 inches of water applied to moisten the soil and activate root growth without causing runoff.^[21]^[7] Frequent light watering—multiple times daily for the first 7-10 days—is essential to maintain consistent moisture until roots anchor, after which irrigation can be reduced to 1-1.5 inches per week based on soil and weather conditions.^[7]

Stolonizing

Stolonizing, also known as broadcast sprigging, is a vegetative propagation method for establishing turfgrass, particularly warm-season species like bermudagrass, by uniformly distributing stolons or rhizomes across the soil surface.^[6] The process begins with harvesting mature stolons or rhizomes from donor turf, which are then cut into short segments typically 3 to 5 inches long, each containing multiple nodes for rooting potential.^[7] These sprigs are broadcast over the prepared area at rates of 400 to 800 bushels per acre to ensure adequate coverage, with higher rates accelerating establishment.^[2] Following distribution, the sprigs are lightly incorporated into the soil by disking, raking, or rolling to a shallow depth of about 0.5 to 1 inch, promoting contact with moist soil for initial rooting.^[1] The coverage in stolonizing relies on the natural vegetative growth of stolons, where nodes root and produce new shoots and roots, gradually filling gaps to form a dense turf.^[7] This lateral spread typically achieves full coverage in 5 to 8 weeks under optimal conditions, such as warm temperatures and consistent moisture, though it may extend to 8 to 10 weeks depending on sprig density and environmental factors.^[7]^[22] For even distribution, stolonizing employs mechanical broadcast equipment, such as adapted fertilizer spreaders or manure spreaders, which scatter the sprigs uniformly like straw or seed.^[6] For smaller areas, hand broadcasting is feasible, serving as a scalable extension of manual sprigging techniques.^[3] Rate calculations for full coverage vary by grass type but emphasize density for warm-season grasses; for example, bermudagrass requires 7 to 10 bushels per 1,000 square feet, equivalent to approximately 300 to 435 bushels per acre, to support rapid node rooting and lateral expansion.^[23] Higher densities, up to 20 bushels per 1,000 square feet, are recommended for quicker establishment in challenging conditions.^[6]

Hydrosprigging

Hydrosprigging involves mixing live sprigs or stolons of turfgrass with water, fertilizer, mulch, and tackifiers to form a slurry, which is then sprayed onto prepared soil surfaces under high pressure for vegetative propagation. This method, a variation of hydroseeding, allows for uniform application over large or inaccessible areas, such as slopes, by broadcasting the vegetative material in a liquid medium rather than dry seeding.^[6]^[24] Specialized hydroseeding machines, often equipped with progressive cavity pumps, are adapted for hydrosprigging to handle the dense slurry containing plant material without damage. These units mix and agitate the components in a tank before pumping the mixture through hoses, typically 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, with reach extending over 1,000 feet (approximately 300 meters) to facilitate application on challenging terrains.^[6]^[25] The slurry composition generally includes 10-20% sprigs or stolons by volume, derived from fresh, soil-free cuttings about 2-6 inches long, combined with wood fiber or coco peat mulch at rates of 250-300 pounds per 1,000 gallons for moisture retention and erosion control, plus fertilizer (50-100 pounds per 1,000 gallons) and tackifiers (e.g., 6-20 pounds per 1,000 gallons) to bind the mixture to a paint-like viscosity. This formulation ensures the sprigs maintain viability during spraying while promoting soil adhesion upon application.^[25]^[24] Establishment through hydrosprigging typically requires 6-12 weeks for initial rooting due to the thinner layer of vegetative material compared to solid sod, though full coverage can be achieved with application rates of 300-500 bushels of sprigs per acre under proper irrigation and maintenance. Unlike dry stolonizing, which relies on mechanical broadcasting, hydrosprigging's wet slurry enhances distribution on uneven ground.^[24]^[25]

Preparation and Best Practices

Soil Preparation

Soil preparation is a critical step in sprigging, ensuring optimal conditions for root establishment and growth of turfgrass sprigs.^[26] The process begins with comprehensive soil testing to evaluate pH, nutrient levels, and texture, typically conducted 2-3 months prior to planting.^[26] For warm-season grasses commonly used in sprigging, the soil pH should be adjusted to a range of 5.5-7.0 using lime for acidic soils or sulfur for alkaline ones, based on test recommendations.^[27] Nutrient analysis guides the application of phosphorus and potassium as needed to meet soil test indices, while pre-plant nitrogen is typically incorporated at 50-100 pounds per acre to support initial growth.^[18] Site clearing follows soil testing to remove existing vegetation, weeds, debris, and old turf, which can be achieved through tillage, herbicides, or a combination of both.^[28] Tillage is then performed to a depth of 4-6 inches to aerate the soil, incorporate amendments, and break up compaction, creating a loose yet firm seedbed.^[26] This depth allows for proper root penetration while minimizing erosion risks. Grading the site ensures proper drainage by establishing a positive slope of 1-2% away from structures, preventing waterlogging that could hinder sprig viability.^[29] To enhance soil structure and water retention, organic matter such as compost is incorporated at rates of 1-2 tons per acre, tilled into the top 4-6 inches.^[30] For soils heavily infested with weeds or pathogens, optional fumigation or sterilization may be employed using alternatives to methyl bromide, such as chloropicrin or metam sodium, applied according to label instructions and local regulations.^[31] This step is particularly recommended in weed-prone areas to reduce competition during establishment.^[32]

Timing and Planting Density

The optimal timing for sprigging warm-season grasses, such as bermudagrass, is late spring to early summer when soil temperatures consistently exceed 65°F (18°C), allowing for rapid root establishment and growth before the onset of hotter weather.^[33] In frost-prone regions, fall planting should be avoided to prevent winter kill of immature plants, as young sprigs are particularly vulnerable to cold damage during dormancy.^[3] This window aligns with periods of adequate moisture and active vegetative growth, typically from mid-May through June in many temperate zones.^[34] Planting density varies based on the grass species' vigor and the desired speed of coverage, with recommendations ranging from equivalent to approximately 5 to 10 bushels per 1,000 square feet (or 200 to 400 bushels per acre).^[35] For more vigorous varieties like common bermudagrass, lower rates of 10 to 20 bushels per acre may suffice in forage applications, while slower-spreading hybrids require higher densities up to 50 bushels per acre to ensure uniform coverage.^[36] These rates account for the total length of stolon and rhizome material broadcast or planted in rows, promoting lateral spread without excessive overlap. At higher densities exceeding 20 bushels per acre, full ground coverage can typically be achieved in 8 to 12 weeks under favorable conditions, including irrigation and fertility, whereas lower densities may extend establishment to 4 to 6 months.^[21] Growth success also depends on factors like soil pH around 6.0 to 7.0, which supports nutrient uptake during rooting. Initial mowing should commence 4 to 6 weeks after planting, once shoots reach 1 to 2 inches in height, to encourage tillering without stressing the developing root system.^[37]

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

Sprigging provides a cost-effective approach to turfgrass establishment compared to sodding, particularly for large areas. As of 2024, bermudagrass sprig material costs approximately $0.75 per bushel, with 10 to 20 bushels required per 1,000 square feet, resulting in material costs of about $0.0075 to $0.015 per square foot; sod material costs $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot, with installation adding $1.20 to $1.80 more.^[38]^[39] This advantage is enhanced when using on-site donor materials from existing healthy turf, minimizing transportation and procurement expenses. The method requires minimal soil disturbance, as sprigs are typically broadcast or lightly incorporated into the surface, preserving the existing soil structure and making it suitable for renovations or areas where full tilling is undesirable. This low-impact planting is especially beneficial on slopes and in erosion-prone sites, such as diversion channels.^[6] Warm-season grasses like bermudagrass establish rapidly via sprigging, with stolons spreading to achieve 80-90% ground coverage within 2-3 months under optimal warm conditions and proper management. Additionally, sprigging ensures genetic uniformity by propagating exact clones from selected healthy stock, eliminating variability that can occur with seeded turf.^[37]^[40]

Limitations

Sprigging, as a vegetative propagation method for turfgrass, presents several challenges that can impact its practicality and success. One primary limitation is the slow establishment period, which typically spans 4 to 8 weeks before adequate coverage is achieved, leaving bare soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion, weed invasion, and nutrient loss during this time.^[41]^[26] To mitigate these risks, sites must be monitored closely for erosion control measures such as mulching or temporary covers, alongside proactive weed management through pre-emergent herbicides applied before sprigging, though post-establishment herbicide use is delayed to avoid damaging new growth.^[26] The process is also labor-intensive, particularly for manual sprigging, which involves planting individual stems or small clumps by hand into furrows or holes; this becomes impractical and time-consuming for areas larger than 1 acre, often requiring teams of workers for days or weeks.^[3]^[26] Mechanical spriggers can address this for larger scales but involve significant upfront costs, with equipment such as sod-to-sprig harvesters or broadcast planters ranging from $5,000 to over $20,000 depending on capacity and features.^[42] Mitigation includes investing in rental equipment for occasional use or hybrid approaches combining manual and mechanical methods for cost efficiency. Sprigging is inherently limited to stoloniferous or rhizomatous grass species, such as warm-season varieties like bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass, which propagate vegetatively; it performs poorly or is ineffective for cool-season grasses like tall fescue, which lack suitable stolons or rhizomes and are better established via seeding or sodding.^[3]^[26] To overcome this specificity, practitioners must select compatible cultivars and avoid attempting sprigging on unsuitable species, potentially integrating seeding for mixed stands where needed. Environmental concerns further constrain sprigging, including the risk of depleting donor fields through over-harvesting sprigs, which can weaken source areas and reduce long-term availability, especially for certified varieties.^[43] Additionally, sprigs are highly sensitive to drought before rooting, necessitating heavy irrigation—approximately 1 inch per week delivered in light, frequent applications (1–2 times daily for the first 1–2 weeks)—to prevent desiccation and promote initial root development.^[7]^[26] Strategies to mitigate these include sourcing sprigs from multiple or regenerative donor sites and implementing precise irrigation scheduling based on soil moisture probes to balance hydration without promoting fungal diseases from excess water.

Applications

Turfgrass Establishment

Sprigging plays a key role in establishing durable turfgrass surfaces for recreational and athletic use, particularly with warm-season species suited to southern climates. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is the primary grass for sports turf in the southern United States, valued for its rapid spread via stolons and rhizomes, providing a dense, wear-tolerant playing surface on fields like football pitches and baseball diamonds.^[7] Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), another common choice, excels in wear-resistant home lawns due to its dense growth habit and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining a fine texture. For zoysiagrass home lawns, sprigs are typically planted 4 to 6 inches apart in rows spaced 1 foot apart, achieving full coverage in 1 to 2 years.^[44]^[45] For large-scale applications such as sports fields, sprigging rates typically range from 400 to 800 bushels per acre on prepared bare soil, ensuring quicker coverage and uniformity on areas like football pitches, which cover approximately 1.32 acres of playing surface.^[7] In contrast, home lawns use smaller densities, often 10 to 20 bushels per 1,000 square feet for bermudagrass, allowing gradual establishment while minimizing material costs.^[46] Post-sprigging maintenance is essential for successful turf establishment and longevity. Fertilization for bermudagrass sports turf involves applying 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every 1 to 2 weeks during the growing season, using balanced sources like ammonium nitrate to promote stolon growth without excessive thatch buildup.^[6]^[7] Weed control relies on pre-emergent herbicides such as oxadiazon at 2 to 3 pounds active ingredient per acre applied at planting, followed by post-emergent options like 2,4-D mixtures once the turf is established, to suppress broadleaf weeds without harming young sprigs.^[6] Consistent irrigation is essential, with light applications multiple times daily to keep soil moist for the first 7-10 days, followed by 1 to 1.5 inches per week during the remaining establishment period of 5 to 8 weeks.^[7] In practice, sprigging bermudagrass has been widely adopted for NCAA sports fields and golf fairways, where it delivers uniform, resilient surfaces capable of recovering from intense use; for instance, hybrid varieties like Tifway are sprigged on university athletic venues in the Southeast to achieve full coverage within one growing season, enhancing playability and reducing maintenance inputs over time.^[41] Hydrosprigging variants can extend this method to remote or sloped areas within these applications.^[7]

Erosion Control and Landscaping

Sprigging serves as an effective method for stabilizing soil on slopes, particularly where seeding is prone to failure due to washout from rainfall. The technique leverages the rapid rooting of sprigs from sod-forming grasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, which develop dense mats that anchor soil particles and prevent downslope movement. This approach is especially valuable on south-facing or sun-exposed slopes, where these grasses form erosion-resistant sods that outperform many other turf types in hot, dry conditions.^[6]^[47] Common techniques for sprigging in erosion-prone areas include broadcasting stolons followed by light soil cover or planting in shallow furrows spaced 4-6 inches apart to promote quick establishment while minimizing site disturbance. These methods are often combined with protective measures such as jute netting or organic mulches to shield sprigs from initial erosion until rooting occurs. Hydrosprigging, a hydraulic application of sprigs in a water slurry, is particularly suited for steep, inaccessible banks, enabling coverage up to 1,000 feet via hose or spray equipment without heavy machinery that could exacerbate soil instability.^[6]^[48] Once established, sprigged turf provides significant environmental benefits by enhancing soil stability and water management. The dense vegetative cover slows surface runoff and reduces sediment loss, with studies showing decreased erosion as groundcover reaches 70-80% within the first growing season, particularly when using higher sprigging rates. This makes sprigging ideal for applications like highway medians and riverbanks, where it filters pollutants and supports ecological restoration.^[49]^[50] In practice, sprigging has been employed in U.S. Southeast shoreline restoration projects to combat wave-induced erosion, utilizing resilient warm-season grasses for long-term stabilization. For landscaping in parks, it facilitates the integration of native or adapted warm-season grasses, creating low-maintenance features that enhance biodiversity and aesthetic appeal on contoured terrains.^[20]

Comparisons to Other Techniques

Versus Seeding

Sprigging and seeding represent two primary methods for turfgrass establishment, differing fundamentally in their propagation approach: sprigging is a vegetative technique that uses stem cuttings with roots and crowns, while seeding relies on germinative propagation from seeds. In sprigging, the planted material immediately begins rooting and spreading without the need for germination, allowing for initial growth to commence more rapidly—typically 2-4 weeks faster than seeding, as the latter requires 7-28 days for seeds to germinate under optimal conditions. This vegetative process involves broadcasting or furrowing sprigs at rates of 5 to 20 bushels per 1,000 square feet, followed by immediate irrigation to prevent desiccation.^[51]^[6]^[51] Outcomes from these methods vary significantly in terms of reliability and genetic consistency. Sprigging ensures 100% varietal purity, particularly for sterile hybrid varieties like common bermudagrass, which cannot produce viable seed and must be propagated vegetatively to maintain their traits. In contrast, seeding carries risks of seed dormancy, poor germination, and establishment failure due to environmental factors such as moisture variability and weed competition, often resulting in uneven stands with success rates influenced by seed quality and conditions. Vegetative sprigging also reduces contamination risks, as it avoids seed-based off-type plants or weeds.^[52]^[53]^[51] Cost considerations favor seeding for smaller-scale projects, where it is generally the most economical option, though total expenses can rise with repairs for washouts or poor stands. As of 2024, seeding typically costs $0.05-0.20 per square foot including seed and basic preparation. Sprigging proves more efficient for large, uniform fields like athletic turf or pastures, where its scalability and reduced long-term maintenance offset initial investments; as of 2024, sprigging costs approximately $200-1,000 per acre (about $0.005-0.025 per square foot).^[54]^[51]^[53]^[55]^[56] Suitability aligns with grass types and environmental needs: seeding is preferable for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass that produce reliable seed, enabling broad adaptation in temperate regions. Sprigging excels with warm-season, sterile hybrids such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, which thrive in southern climates and on slopes where vegetative material better resists erosion compared to loose seeds.^[51]^[6]^[52]

Versus Sodding and Plugging

Sprigging provides a vegetative alternative to sodding, which involves laying pre-grown turf mats for immediate coverage, but differs significantly in establishment speed and cost. While sodding achieves full coverage instantly upon installation, sprigging typically requires 3 to 6 months for complete turf cover, depending on the grass species like bermudagrass and environmental conditions such as temperature and irrigation.^[37]^[26] However, sprigging is substantially more economical, often costing 80-90% less per acre than sodding; as of 2024-2025, sprigging totals around $200-1,000 per acre compared to $8,000-12,000 for sodding (including material and installation), making it preferable for large-scale projects where budget constraints outweigh the need for rapid results.^[57]^[55]^[58] Additionally, sprigging minimizes transportation challenges, especially for on-site applications where sprigs can be harvested directly from existing turf edges without the logistics of hauling heavy sod rolls.^[26] In comparison to plugging, which plants small sod cores at intervals, sprigging allows for higher planting density and faster lateral spread through stolons or rhizomes. Plugs are typically spaced 6 to 12 inches apart, equating to 1 to 4 per square foot, and may take 6 to 12 months to achieve full coverage, particularly for slower-spreading species like zoysiagrass.^[3]^[59] Sprigging, by contrast, uses broadcast rates of 5 to 20 bushels per 1,000 square feet, enabling quicker fill-in within 3 months for aggressive grasses, though it demands more uniform soil preparation to avoid gaps.^[3]^[37] Plugs are better suited for small patches or gradual establishment in residential settings due to their lower initial material needs and reduced risk of desiccation during transplant.^[26] Resource demands also highlight key differences: sodding requires harvesting entire turf mats from production fields, which is labor-intensive and disruptive to the donor site, often necessitating specialized equipment and recovery time for the sod farm.^[60] Sprigging, however, permits selective harvesting of stems or runners from field edges or existing stands, reducing soil disturbance and allowing for sustainable, repeated collection without fully denuding the source area.^[6] Plugging falls in between, using portions of sod but in smaller quantities, though it still involves coring that can compact soil if not managed carefully.^[3] Selection between these methods depends on project priorities: sodding is ideal for scenarios requiring instant playability, such as new sports stadiums or erosion-prone slopes where immediate stability is critical.^[26] Sprigging excels in budget-driven renovations, like athletic fields or golf courses, where cost savings and tolerance for a grow-in period justify its use, provided adequate irrigation supports the establishment phase.^[3]^[57]

References

[1]
Establishing a lawn from sprigs, stolons, or plugs
Sprigging or stolonizing · Broadcast stolons over an area and cover lightly with soil by disking or plant in rows in 2-inch deep furrows 6 to 12 inches apart.
[2]
Sprig Establishment - LSU AgCenter
Sprigging involves planting vegetative pieces, such as stolons (aboveground stems) and rhizomes (underground stems), of a desired grass into the soil.
[3]
ENH-03/LH013: Establishing Your Florida Lawn
Aug 26, 2025 · Sprigging is simply the planting of individual grass stems at spaced intervals. A suitable sprig should have two to four nodes from which roots ...
[4]
seeding, sprigging, and sodding sports fields
Sprigging is the process of removing stems (stolons or rhizomes) from mature turfgrass stands and replanting the vegetative cuttings in a different location.
[5]
Seeding, sprigging or sodding - Golf Course Industry
Jan 30, 2006 · Sprigging is the common method of establishing warm-season grasses. Planting window. The first principle to consider during the germination ...
[6]
None
### Summary of Hydrosprigging from W160-D
[7]
[PDF] Sprigging Bermudagrass - Sports Field Management Association
Sprigging is removing stems from mature bermudagrass and replanting them. Plant sprigs within 24 hours of harvest, in rows or broadcast, and tamp after ...
[8]
Sprig Planting or Roll‑Laid Turf: Which Installation Method Fits Your ...
Rating 4.6 (21) Sprig planting is a method where individual sprigs—small sections of stolons or rhizomes—are planted directly into prepared soil. This approach is commonly used ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[9]
Fast grass: Techniques to accelerate turf establishment
There are five basic ways to accelerate turf establishment: increasing the seeding or sprigging rate; mulching, hydroseeding or hydrosprigging; strip or row ...
[10]
[PDF] Bermudagrass for Florida Lawns1 - nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu |
Sprigging. The most common method of planting bermudagrass is by sprigging. This is done mechanically over large areas or by hand in small areas. Fresh sprigs ...
[11]
[PDF] Establishing Your Florida Lawn1 - Seminole County
Sprigging is the cheapest vegetative planting method. A sprig is an individual stem or piece of stem of grass with at least one node (joint), which has the ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition<|control11|><|separator|>
[12]
[PDF] Forage Bermudagrass - Texas A&M University
Hybrid bermudagrass is sterile and will not produce viable seed, so it must be vegetatively propagated and is usually planted by using “sprigs.” Sprigs are made ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[13]
Chapter 11: Lawns – Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener ...
Sprigs are the stems from shredded sod. Sprigs should include leaves, a stolon, and roots. The soil should be prepared as described for seeding or sodding.
[14]
The History of Lawns | Planet Natural
Feb 19, 2014 · The lawn appears to be a European invention, which makes ecological sense because the moist, mild, climate of Europe supported open, close-cut grasslands.
[15]
A Turfgrass Timeline: The History of Bermudagrass Breeding - USGA
Feb 16, 2024 · Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) did not arrive in North America until the 18th century, and is believed to have come from Africa, India or via ...
[16]
(PDF) Origin and history of grassland in Central Europe – a review
Aug 6, 2025 · This review discusses the origin, history and development of grasslands in Central Europe from the Holocene (9500 BC) to recent times.
[17]
Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Greens - Past, Present, and Future
The short history of ultradwarfs begins with the bermudagrass Tifgreen, released in 1956. This breakthrough turfgrass owes its origins to Dr. Glenn Burton, who ...
[18]
Bermudagrass: 75 years of turning lemons into lemonade - AgProud
Nov 29, 2018 · PHOTO 1: University of Georgia agricultural engineer James Stephens developed an early two-row sprig planter at the Coastal Plain Experiment ...
[19]
[PDF] ESTABLISHING BERMUDAGRASS FROM SPRIGS OR TOPS
Hybrid bermudagrass is established from sprigs or tops, requiring well-drained soil, and a site free of other bermudagrass or bahiagrass.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[20]
Establishment and Care of Zoysiagrass Lawns | MU Extension
Sep 27, 2017 · A starter fertilizer may be applied before sprigging. Plant the sprigs in rows about six inches apart. Narrow furrows, 2 or 3 inches deep, can ...Missing: manual mechanical
[21]
[PDF] Bermudagrass Production in North Carolina - NC State Extension
The sprigger machine cuts a shallow furrow, drops the sprigs 2 to 3 inches deep, and firms the soil over the sprigs with press wheels . Sprigs can be broadcast ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[22]
[PDF] Establishing Bermudagrass for Forage FSA19
Bermudagrass should be sprigged into a smooth, clean-tilled, firm seedbed. Sprigs are typically planted with commercial planters that place the sprigs into ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[23]
Sprigging/Stolonizing late in summer? - Lawn Care Forum
Jul 3, 2019 · In terms of coverage, I'd expect 8-10 weeks, depending on how many bushels of sprigs you use, amount of sunlight, length of growing season. The ...How many bushels of bermuda sprigs per thousand square feet?SPRIGGING/PLUGGING/STOLONIZING | Lawn Care ForumMore results from www.thelawnforum.com
[24]
[PDF] Part III. Turfgrass - VCE Publications
Sprigging rates for bermudagrass and zoysiagrass range from 7 to 10 bushels per 1,000 sq ft and frequent irrigation is required for establishment. Note that ...Missing: stolonizing | Show results with:stolonizing<|separator|>
[25]
[PDF] Research Technical Note RTN
The slurry is usually sprayed onto surfaces using a hose pipe under high pressure. Hydrosprigging is widely used for turf planting in golf courses, road sides ...Missing: equipment | Show results with:equipment
[26]
[PDF] hydrosprigging & pc pumpinformation - Fibramulch
HydroSprigging greatly reduces the establishment time when compared to conventional planting methods. Because you are using actual piece of grass, you have ...Missing: composition | Show results with:composition<|separator|>
[27]
Lawn Establishment - Clemson HGIC
Feb 29, 2024 · Sprigging: Sprigging is the planting of stolons or rhizomes in furrows or small holes. A sprig is an individual stem or piece of stem of grass ...Missing: length | Show results with:length
[28]
Bermudagrass | MU Extension
Like most grasses, it does best at a pH of 5.5 or above and is highly responsive to the application of nitrogen fertilizer; potassium (potash) is also important ...
[29]
Successfully sprigging bermudagrass in Georgia - UGA
Mar 18, 2019 · Based on the results of the test, apply the recommended amounts of lime, phosphorous, and potassium two to four weeks prior to sprigging and ...
[30]
[PDF] Installation and Establishment of Turfgrasses
Apr 19, 2006 · GRADING A SLOPE. When grading, a two percent slope away from buildings improves drainage. This is equivalent to a drop of two feet over a ...
[31]
[PDF] How to Add Compost on Your Small Farm
How much compost do I need? 5-10 tons per acre is ideal, but lesser amounts, 1-2 tons/acre also help improve soil quality and function ...Missing: establishment | Show results with:establishment
[32]
[PDF] Methyl Bromide Ban Will Have Huge Impact on Turfgrass Industry
No single alternative is available for methyl bromide as the government prepares to ban it. • As a fumigant, methyl bromide kills tough perennial weeds,.
[33]
[PDF] Sponsored by: BASF Corporation - Michigan State University
After Lohmann's crew rototilled the soil six to eight inches deep, it was time for the soil sterilization. Popular products, such as methylbromide and Vapam®,.
[34]
[PDF] Spring and Summer Lawn Management Considerations for Warm ...
Timing for establishing warm-season grasses. Mid-spring through mid-summer is the optimum time to plant warm-season grasses. Soil temperatures in the 65 to 75o ...
[35]
Chapter 10- Turfgrass Management in Tennessee
Sod-forming turfgrasses produce stems above and below ground level. Above-ground stems, referred to as stolons, have nodes from which new plants develop. Below- ...
[36]
ENH19/LH007: Bermudagrass for Florida Lawns - UF/IFAS EDIS
Sprigs are usually broadcast over an area at a rate of 200 to 400 bushels per acre, or 5 to 10 bushels per 1000 square feet, then pressed into the soil.
[37]
Choosing, Establishing, and Managing Bermudagrass Varieties in ...
Sprigging Dates. Bermudagrass sprigs may be planted from late winter through the summer months if soil moisture is available to promote bud germination and ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[38]
Bermudagrass Athletic Field Maintenance Calendar
Jun 1, 2021 · Do not apply more than 1⁄2 pound of nitrogen per thousand square feet (22 pounds per acre) per application after September 15. Use a low ...
[39]
[PDF] yb ·d e udagrass - About SportsTurf
Between five to eight bushels of sprigs are broadcast per 1,000 square feet. One of these machines can plant 12 acres per day. Preparation for stolonizing is ...
[40]
[PDF] Turfgrass Establishment In Texas - Travis County Extension Office
#10 Final soil preparation. If planting with seed, sod, or plugs, the soil should be rolled to firm the soil surface and then lightly raked ...
[41]
[PDF] Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO)
May 15, 2011 · As the prog- eny plants from the clonal reproduction are the same genotypes as the parent plants, they can form a beautiful and uniform turf.
[42]
Converting to Bermudagrass Fairways - USGA
Aug 5, 2022 · A sprig rate of 400 to 800 U.S. bushels per acre is common. A U.S. standard bushel has a volume of 1.25 cubic feet, a Georgia bushel is supposed ...Missing: stolonizing | Show results with:stolonizing
[43]
BERMUDA KING Farm Equipment For Sale - 24 Listings
Find BERMUDA KING Farm Equipment for sale near you. 24 listings available with prices ranging from $1500 to $65500 at TractorHouse.com.Missing: mechanical | Show results with:mechanical
[44]
Challenges in bermudagrass production in the southeastern USA
Jun 26, 2024 · ... establishment time and insect tolerance. These improvements will be ... DEFICIT OF SPRIGGING RESOURCES. Perhaps one of the most limiting ...
[45]
Zoysiagrass: How to Grow and Care for It - Lawn Love
Nov 28, 2022 · Homeowners with kids or pets appreciate that Zoysiagrass is a dense grass that has an excellent resistance to heavy foot traffic and other wear.
[46]
Sprig Installation | Grassmasters Sod Farms
Our Sprig planting equipment has been designed to insure fast grow in with very little disturbance to the existing soil surface. GROW IN SPECIFICATIONS PRIOR TO ...Missing: minimal | Show results with:minimal
[47]
[PDF] Zoysia - Love It or Leave It
If the sprigs are fresh and planted 4"-6" apart in rows 1' apart, a solid zoysia lawn should result in 1-2 years. The closer the sprigs, the faster the lawn ...
[48]
Bermudagrass - Ford County Extension Office
Creeping stems growing above and below ground form a dense, erosion-resistant sod. this is valuable on hot, south-facing slopes where other grasses often fail.
[49]
The Hydro-Sprigging Revolution - LandscapeArchitect.com
Hydro-sprigging is a variation of hydro-seeding where water, fertilizer, stolons, and wood fiber are mixed and sprayed, providing a better growth environment.
[50]
Planting Rate and Nitrogen Fertility Affect Runoff Losses during ...
Sep 1, 2019 · Runoff, sediment, and nutrient losses decreased over time as groundcover increased. High sprigging and low N fertilization rates reduce nutrient ...Missing: percentage | Show results with:percentage
[51]
C-SSM-07 Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Establishment
A sprig is a small section of rhizome (underground stem) 3 to 5 inches long, with at least one node or joint. Leaves should be present at the nodes. Stolons ( ...
[52]
[PDF] Seeding, sprigging or sodding?
Two benefits of sodding are the virtual elimination of washouts and the speed the golf course matures. Many feel these factors alone outweigh the cost. Opening ...Missing: effectiveness | Show results with:effectiveness
[53]
Bermudagrass | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson HGIC
Jan 27, 2016 · ... means being sprigging, sodding or plugging. Hybrid bermudagrass is typically used on sports fields, golf courses, and highly maintained lawns.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[54]
[PDF] Seeded Bermudagrass Update - Georgia Forages
Although sprigging is more expensive than establishing bermudagrass from seed, some of the advantages that vegetative establishment has over seed established ...
[55]
Establishing a New Lawn Using Seed - MSU Extension
Feb 18, 2016 · Table 2: Recommended turfgrass species mixtures1 and their seeding rates. Turfgrass species mixtures (by weight). Seeding rate (pounds/1,000 sq.Missing: average | Show results with:average<|control11|><|separator|>
[56]
[PDF] Establishing Seeded Bermudagrass on Lawns, Golf Courses or ...
An advantage of seeded bermudagrasses is they can be established at a lower cost compared to sodding or sprigging. Some of the newer seeded cul- tivars have ...
[57]
Zoysiagrass for Indiana (AY-6-W)
Feb 6, 2019 · Therefore, it may take 3 to 5 years to achieve complete coverage when establishing Zoysiagrass from plugs planted on 1-foot centers. As ...
[58]
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP658