In field non-invasive sensing of the nitrogen status in hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) by a fluorescence-based method

The level of N fertilization and the content of leaf N in Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy cv. 'Tifway 419' bermudagrass were evaluated non-destructively with a fluorescence-based method. It was applied directly into the field by using the Multiplex portable fluorimeter during two consecutive seasons (2010 and 2011). In the 2010 experiment, the nitrogen balance index (NBI1) provided by the sensor was able to discriminate (at P < 0.05) six different N levels applied, up to 250 kg ha−1, with a precision (root mean square error, RMSE) in the rate estimate of 3.29 kg ha−1. In 2011, the index was insensitive to the N treatment between 150 kg ha−1 and 250 kg ha−1 N rates, and its precision was 39.98 kg ha−1. Calibration of the sensor by using the destructive analysis of turf samplings showed a good linear regression between NBI1 and the leaf N content for both 2010 (R2 = 0.81) and 2011 (R2 = 0.93) experiments. This allowed mapping of the leaf N spatial distribution acquired by the sensor in the field with a prediction error of 0.21%. Averaging the overall estimates of leaf N content per N treatment provided an upper limit of 200 kg ha−1 for the required fertilization, corresponding to a critical level of leaf N of about 2.3%. Our results confirm the usefulness of the new fluorescence-based method and sensor for a precise management of fertilization in turfgrass.