Weed Community Dynamics Under Regular Mowing in Newly Established Turfgrass Lawns

Abstract

Maintaining functionality and aesthetic quality in urban lawns requires the implementation of sustainable weed management strategies that reduce herbicide use. This study aimed to determine the effects of regular mowing on weed community composition, frequency, and density in newly established lawns located at the foothills of Ağrı Mountain in Eastern Türkiye. Fieldwork was conducted during two vegetation periods between 2019 and 2020; mowing was applied at 20-day intervals from early April to early October at a cutting height of 5 cm. Weed species composition, frequency, and density were evaluated through periodic observations. In the location where the study was conducted, 39 weed species representing 15 botanical families were recorded, of which 22 were annual, 16 perennial, and one parasitic species. The most represented families were Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae. Mowing practices significantly affected the weed community structure; Specifically, while the density of upright-growing annual species such as Chenopodium album decreased, the persistence of creeping and perennial species such as Trifolium repens and Cynodon dactylon increased. Although a decrease in total weed density was observed over time, perennial and monocotyledonous species were found to be more tolerant to mowing. Statistical analyses revealed that mowing had significant effects on the frequency and density of these groups, while total weed abundance showed moderate temporal variation. In conclusion, mowing practices are effective in suppressing upright-growing annual weeds, but are limited in controlling creeping and perennial species. Therefore, for long-term and sustainable weed management in turf areas, mechanical practices need to be supported by ecologically based methods. This study contributes to understanding weed dynamics in urban turf areas and provides a scientific basis for developing more effective management strategies.