A rhizome in turfgrass is an underground stem that plays a crucial role in the growth and spread of the grass. It is essentially a horizontal stem that grows parallel to the surface of the soil. Rhizomes are found in various grass species, including many common turfgrasses.
One of the main functions of a rhizome is to produce new shoots and allow the grass to spread horizontally. These shoots develop from nodes on the rhizome, which are points where leaves, roots, or buds emerge. As the rhizome elongates, it sends out these new shoots, allowing the grass to expand and form a dense, interconnected network.
I have personally witnessed the power of rhizomes in turfgrass when working on landscaping projects. For example, when planting a new lawn, we often use grass sod or plugs, which consist of small sections of turfgrass that include both the aboveground foliage and the underground rhizomes. These rhizomes ensure that the grass quickly establishes itself and begins to spread, filling in bare areas and creating a uniform carpet of green.
In addition to underground stems, turfgrass may also spread through aboveground stems called stolons. Stolons are similar to rhizomes, but they grow horizontally above the soil surface rather than underground. They also produce new shoots at nodes, allowing the grass to spread and fill in gaps.
The ability of grasses to spread through rhizomes and stolons is highly advantageous in turf management. It helps the grass recover from damage, such as foot traffic or mowing, by generating new growth from the underground stems. This self-repairing mechanism ensures that the turf remains healthy and resilient.
Moreover, the horizontal spread of grass through rhizomes and stolons enables it to compete with weeds and other undesirable plants. The dense network of interconnected stems prevents weed encroachment and helps maintain a uniform, desirable turfgrass cover.
In terms of maintenance, understanding the growth habit of grasses with rhizomes or stolons can be helpful. For example, when mowing turfgrass with rhizomes, it is important to set the mower blade at an appropriate height to avoid cutting too low and damaging the underground stems. Additionally, proper fertilization and irrigation practices can support the growth and spread of grasses with rhizomes, promoting a healthy and vigorous lawn.
To summarize, rhizomes are underground stems in turfgrass that enable the grass to spread horizontally and produce new shoots. They work in conjunction with aboveground stems called stolons to create a dense network of interconnected growth. Understanding the role of rhizomes and stolons in turfgrass growth can aid in successful lawn establishment and maintenance.
