Fulcher, H. C.

Thompson, Lyell F.

English

UARK (University of Arkansas )

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science Volume 32 Article 30 1978 Effect of Limestone on Spring Weed Populations in a Fertilized Coastal Bermudagrass Sod H. C. Fulcher University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Lyell F. Thompson University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas  Part of the Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Fulcher, H. C. and Thompson, Lyell F. (1978) "Effect of Limestone on Spring Weed Populations in a Fertilized Coastal Bermudagrass Sod," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 32 , Article 30. Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol32/iss1/30 This article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able to read, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This General Note is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact scholar@uark.edu. !iIi88 Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings/ Vol.XXXII,1978about the same latitude. Other localities where white bass 8 or more years old have been reported are: Oneida Lake, New York, 10 years(Forney and Taylor, N.Y.Fish Game J. 10:194-200, 1963); Spirit Lake, Iowa, 9years (Sigler, Agric.Exp. Stn. Iowa State Coll. Res. Bull366:236-244, 1949); and Shafer Lake, Indiana, 8years (Riggs, Ph.D. Thesis, Univ.Michigan 224 p., 1953).Three fish were 3-year-olds at the time of tagging; therefore one was an 8-year-old when recaptured in 1974, and two were 9years old whenrecaptured in1975. Total lengths at tagging were 315, 350, and 354 mm respectively. The last two fish listed establish a longevity record for whilebass in the southern United States. One fish, 248 mm long was a 1-year-old when marked inNovember, 1968 and was over 8 years old when re-captured in1976. Based on the angler's recapture report, the fish was 501 mm long and had gained about 900 g. Its weight at tagging was estimatedfrom the average weight ofseveral fish of the same length ina 1969 gillnet sample. This fish established a record for the length of time (7.6 years) awhite bass has carried a tag.T. O. DUNCAN. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Arkadelphia. Arkansas 71923 and MILTONR. MYERS. JR.. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Fayetteville. Arkansas 72701.EFFECT OF LIMESTONE ON SPRING WEED POPULATIONS INA FERTILIZED COASTAL BERMUDAGRASS SOD*In1968 anitrogen-potassium fertilizer experiment was initiated at the MainArkansas AgriculturalExperiment Station to study the effects ofthese fertilizers on the yieldand winter hardiness of Coastal Bermudagrass (Cynadon dactylon L.).Various research investigations have been con-ducted on this site dealing with the effect of fertilizer treatments on the yield and chemical composition of the forage, on the chemistry and acidityof the soil (Allured, 1976; Nagel, 1977), and on weed population and species. Allured et al. (1974) studied the effect of varying rates of Nand Kfertilizer on weed populations and species in1973 and found that total week count was affected only by the highest rate ofN (672 kg/ha) and thaithese treatments contained less than half as many weeds as did the N treatments of 0and 336 kg/ha. They observed that the average number ofweed species on treatments receiving the highest Nrate was onlyabout 60% as high as those with the two lower N rates. Also, as K rates increasedto 168 kg/ha, weed species also increased but decreased as higherK rates (336 and 672 kg/ha) were applied.Meijden (1974) reported that ragwort {Senecio jacobaea L.)populations increased as exchangeable calcium increased. Beard (1973), whorecognized the influence ofsoil fertilityon weed populations, stated that certain turfspecialists have recommended allowing acidic conditions toexist in turfgrass soils to control weeds. Buchanan et al. (1975) reported that certain weeds such as common chickweed {Stellaria media [L.|Cyrillo)redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). and common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) were sensitive to low soil pH. The GeigyWeed Tables state that henbit {Lamiumamplexicaule L.) thrives in fertile soils when pH is between 6and 7 (1968).Fifteen fertilizer treatments were applied to a Coastal Bermudagrass sod on a Pembroke silt loam at the Main Experiment Station, Univer-sity of Arkansas, Fayetteville, for the years 1968-1976. Nitrogen rates of0, 336, and 672 kg/ha and K rates of0, 84, 168, 336, and 672 kg/ha wereapplied annually.The experimental design was 3X5 factorial arrangement ina randomized complete block. There were four replications. Nitro-gen, as NII4N0,. was applied inthree equal applications after the first three harvests; and K,as KCI,was applied in two equal applications eachseason. Abroadcast application of superphosphate was applied uniformly as needed to supply the phosphorus needs of the plants. InMayof 1974.the 2.45 by 6.10 meter plots were split, and finely ground calcitic limestone was applied randomly to one half of each plot at the rates of 2.5, 5.0and 7.5 MT/ha to the no-N, 336N and 672N treatments, respectively. InMay 1976, each of these three N treatments was relimed at the rate of2.4and 6MT/ha, respectively.The number of weeds and the species were counted 14-15 March 1977, before the bermudagrass emerged, withinan area one meter square,randomly selected from the center of each plot. The data collected were subjected to an analysis of variance to determine the nature of the rela-tionship between the soil amendments and total weed population.The mid-March weed counts showed that henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.)plants accounted for80% of the total weed population. Otherweed species, in decreasing order of abundance, were little barley (Hordeum pusiliumNutt.) at 10%, chickweed at 5%, dandelion at 4%, andwild garlic (Alliumvineale L.). mint (Labeate spp) and other weeds at less than 0.5% each.The average density ofall weeds amounted to 8.7/m1. Neither the N, the K,nor the NXKinteraction affected weed counts. However, boththe limestone and the limestone X nitrogen interaction affected the weed population at the 1% level of significance (Table 1). None of the otherlimestone X fertilizer interactions were significant. The limestone had no effect on the weed population in the no-N treatments, but as N rates in-creased, weed counts significantly declined in unlimed plots and significantly increased inthe limed plots. Visual observation indicated that therewas no amendment X weed species interaction; i.e., the ratio of the several weed species remained constant on the variously limed and fertilizedtreatments. The limed, high-N treatment had almost four times as many weeds as itsunlimed counterpart.Throughout this experiment the soil of the treatments receiving the highest Nrate became progressively more acid. By the time these weedcounts were made, this surface soil had a pH in the mid to high 3's. This extreme soil acidity may have been the factor that suppressed weedgrowth. When the weed counts were taken, the experimental site had a striking checkerboard appearance caused by the bright purple flowers ofthe henbit inthe subplots of the N fertilized treatments which had been limed.While the high N rates on the unlimed treatments affected the weed population inmuch the same manner as reported by Allured et al.(1974) the effect of N fertilization on weed populations of the limed treatments in1977 was markedly different. There was no limestone variable inAllured's 1974 experiment.•Published withthe approval of the Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.Table 1. Effect of long-term annual nitrogen applications, and 1974 and '76 limestone applications, on early spring weed populations in a CoastalBermudagrass sod. Weeds/m 1.annual N rates, kg/haON 336N 672N aveno limestone 7.9c* 5.5d 4.Id 5.8blimed in 1974 &'76 7.7c 11.5b 15.3a 11.5a'Values in the average column and in the interaction table not followed by the same letter are significantly different at the 5% levelof probability88Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 32 [1978], Art. 30Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1978Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXII,1978 89Arkansas Academy of ScienceLITERATURE CITEDALLURED. R. A. 1976. Effect of intensive N and K fertilization ongrowth and persistence ofCoastal Bermudagrass and on the soilchemical environment. M. S. Thesis. University of Arkansas.Favetteville, Ark.BUCHANAN.G. A..C. S. HOVELAND.and M.C. HARRIS. 1975.Response of weeds to soil pH. Weed Science. 23(6):473-477.GEIGY WEED TABLES. 1968. CIBA-GEIGY Chemical Co.. Basle.Switzerland.MEIJDEN. E. VANDER. 1974. The distribution ofSenecio iacohas-al L.and Tyria jacnhaeae L. inrelation to soil properties. ActaBotanica Neerlandica. 23(5-6):681-690.ALLURED. R. A.,E. C. GORDON. L.F.THOMPSON, and R. E.FRANS. 1974. Residual effects of N-K fertilization of CoastalBermudagrass on spring populations of weed species. Arkansa..Academy ofScience Proceedings. 28:9-1 1. NAGEL. D.H. 1977. Yield and elemental content of forage, and soilprofile chemistry, as affected by NH.NO,, KC1, and CaCO, ad-ditions to an established Coastal Bermudagrass sod. M.S. Thesis.University ofArkansas. Favetteville. Ark.BKARD. J. B. 1973. Turfgrass: Science and CULTURE. PrenticeHall. Inc.. Anglewood Cliffs,NJ. pp. 32.S. 339. 381. 408. 414.H. C. FULCHF.R and L.F. THOMPSON. Department of Agronomy. Vniversitv ofArkansas. Favetteville. Arkansas 72701.STATUS OF THE ENDANGERED OZARK BIG-EARED BAT (Plecotus townsendii ingens) IN ARKANSASThree bat taxa endemic to Arkansas are now considered to be endangered (in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion oftheir range). The Indiana bat. Myotissodalis. and the gray bat, M. grisescens. are currently on the United States list of endangered species. TheOzark big-eared bat. Plecotus townsendii ingens. (along withthe Virginia big-eared bat, P. I. virginianus) willbe added pending finallegislation.The Ozark big-eared bat has been reported in small numbers from onlya few caves innorthwestern and north central Arkansas, southwest-ern Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma (U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 1973; Handley 1959; Harvey 1975, 1976, 1978;McDaniel and Gardner 1977; Sealander 1951. 1956: Sealanderand Young 1955). The Department of the Interior. Fish and Wildlife Service (1973)estimated the total number surviving tobe less than 100 and stated that never more than four individuals had ever been found at one time. That in-formation is incorrect. Sealander (1951) reported collecting 11 individuals froma Washington County, Arkansas, cave in1951. Itwas notuntil24years later that a number greater than 11 was reported. Harvey (1975. 1976) reported finding 60P. t. ingens in a western Arkansas cave inFebru-ary, 1975.Due to the small number known, relativity little information is available concerning this particular subspecies. However, much isknownabout the species in other parts ofits range, most of which may also apply to P. t. ingens. Humphrey and Kunz(1976) published a detailed accountconcerning the ecology of the southern Great Plains population ofP. townsendii. considered to be an intergrade ofP. t. pallescens of the southernRocky Mountains and P. t. ingens. In addition, several authors have reported on the biology of the more abundant western subspecies (Handley1959; Barbourand Davis 1969; Graham 1966;Dalquest 1974: Pearson et al. 1952; Twente 1955).Inthe eastern part of their range P. townsendii inhabit caves during both summer and winter, although occasional individuals have been ob-served in buildings during the summer. Inthe western part of their range they are often found in buildings. P. townsendii hibernate in caves ormines where the temperature is 12° C or less, but generally above freezing. They are usually found clustered in groups ofa few to a hundred ormore individuals. The species is veryintolerant of human disturbance and willsometimes vacate a cave ifdisturbed (Humphrey 1969; Humphreyand Kunz 1976; Twente 1955; Barbour and Davis 1969).During the past 5years numerous caves innorthwestern and north central Arkansas were searched in an attempt to locate colonies ofOzarkbig-eared (as well as other) bats. Name, location, and a brief description of each cave, as well as a record of bat taxa and numbers present, wererecorded. Collection of specimens was minimal and usually bats were handled onlyifnecessary for identification purposes. Ecological data suchas temperature and humidityof bat microhabitats were recorded. During warmer seasons limited mist netting was conducted in a variety of habi-tat types.The colony of 60P. t. ingens reported by Harvey (1975, 1976) froma western Arkansas cave inFebruary, 1975, was not present in the cavewhen checked during the followingwinter. However, inearly March, 1978, we discovered a cluster of35 hibernating P. t. ingens inanother cave intsame general area. Both caves are in Washington County. InNovember, 1974, we found eight /'. t. ingens clustered above a guano pile in aionCounty cave. Twoskeletons of this bat were found in the guano. An additional Ozark big-eared bat was found ina Marion County mine inruary. 1974.IAlthough numerous other caves and mines innorthwestern and north central Arkansas weresearched, no additional P. I. ingens were dis-red. Summer mist netting also failed toresult in the capture of Ozark big-eared bats. However, netting was not done in areas near caves ands from whichP. t. ingens have been reported.tOur records indicate that P. t. ingens prefer relatively cold areas of caves forhibernation. Temperatures where Ozark big-eared bats werend ranged from4° C to 9° C: humidity was 85-95%. We know nothing concerning summer habitat of this taxon. Quite likelynursery coloniesit somewhere in Ozark caves, but thus far none have been found.KThe discovery in the last few years ofgroups ofP. t. ingens numbering from eight to 60 individuals indicates that these bats may be presentreater numbers than previously thought. However, the total surviving population may number no more than a few hundred individuals. Theirct status is still relatively unknown. Known colonies will be monitored and attempts willbe made to locate additional colonies as well as toidentify critical habitat requirements for this taxon. Because no cave regularly inhabited by P. t. ingens has been discovered, no critical habitathas as yet been proposed.Numerous individuals have been involvedin our attempts to ascertain the status of the endangered Ozark big-eared bat in Arkansas. Person-»of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, U. S. ForestService, and National Park Servicee supplied information and otherwise aided inmany ways. A number of graduate students and faculty members were involved in field work,sincerely appreciate the efforts of all those who contributed their time and expertise.LITERATURE CITEDBARBOUR. R. W.. and W. H.DAVIS. 1969. Bats ofAmerica. Univ. DALQUEST. W. W. 1947. Notes on the natural historv of the batPress ofKentucky. Lexington. 286 p. Corynorhinus rafinesquii inCalifornia. J. Mammal. 28:17-30.89Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 32 [1978], Art. 30https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol32/iss1/30

Effect of Limestone on Spring Weed Populations in a Fertilized Coastal Bermudagrass Sod

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Journal of the Arkansas Academy of ScienceVolume 32 Article 301978Effect of Limestone on Spring Weed Populations ina Fertilized Coastal Bermudagrass SodH. C. FulcherUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleLyell F. ThompsonUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaasPart of the Agronomy and Crop Sciences CommonsThis article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able toread, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking priorpermission from the publisher or the author.This General Note is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the ArkansasAcademy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact scholar@uark.edu, ccmiddle@uark.edu.Recommended CitationFulcher, H. C. and Thompson, Lyell F. (1978) "Effect of Limestone on Spring Weed Populations in a Fertilized Coastal BermudagrassSod," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 32 , Article 30.Available at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol32/iss1/30!iIi88 Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings/ Vol.XXXII,1978about the same latitude. Other localities where white bass 8 or more years old have been reported are: Oneida Lake, New York, 10 years(Forney and Taylor, N.Y.Fish Game J. 10:194-200, 1963); Spirit Lake, Iowa, 9years (Sigler, Agric.Exp. Stn. Iowa State Coll. Res. Bull366:236-244, 1949); and Shafer Lake, Indiana, 8years (Riggs, Ph.D. Thesis, Univ.Michigan 224 p., 1953).Three fish were 3-year-olds at the time of tagging; therefore one was an 8-year-old when recaptured in 1974, and two were 9years old whenrecaptured in1975. Total lengths at tagging were 315, 350, and 354 mm respectively. The last two fish listed establish a longevity record for whilebass in the southern United States. One fish, 248 mm long was a 1-year-old when marked inNovember, 1968 and was over 8 years old when re-captured in1976. Based on the angler's recapture report, the fish was 501 mm long and had gained about 900 g. Its weight at tagging was estimatedfrom the average weight ofseveral fish of the same length ina 1969 gillnet sample. This fish established a record for the length of time (7.6 years) awhite bass has carried a tag.T. O. DUNCAN. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Arkadelphia. Arkansas 71923 and MILTONR. MYERS. JR.. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Fayetteville. Arkansas 72701.EFFECT OF LIMESTONE ON SPRING WEED POPULATIONS INA FERTILIZED COASTAL BERMUDAGRASS SOD*In1968 anitrogen-potassium fertilizer experiment was initiated at the MainArkansas AgriculturalExperiment Station to study the effects ofthese fertilizers on the yieldand winter hardiness of Coastal Bermudagrass (Cynadon dactylon L.).Various research investigations have been con-ducted on this site dealing with the effect of fertilizer treatments on the yield and chemical composition of the forage, on the chemistry and acidityof the soil (Allured, 1976; Nagel, 1977), and on weed population and species. Allured et al. (1974) studied the effect of varying rates of Nand Kfertilizer on weed populations and species in1973 and found that total week count was affected only by the highest rate ofN (672 kg/ha) and thaithese treatments contained less than half as many weeds as did the N treatments of 0and 336 kg/ha. They observed that the average number ofweed species on treatments receiving the highest Nrate was onlyabout 60% as high as those with the two lower N rates. Also, as K rates increasedto 168 kg/ha, weed species also increased but decreased as higherK rates (336 and 672 kg/ha) were applied.Meijden (1974) reported that ragwort {Senecio jacobaea L.)populations increased as exchangeable calcium increased. Beard (1973), whorecognized the influence ofsoil fertilityon weed populations, stated that certain turfspecialists have recommended allowing acidic conditions toexist in turfgrass soils to control weeds. Buchanan et al. (1975) reported that certain weeds such as common chickweed {Stellaria media [L.|Cyrillo)redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). and common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) were sensitive to low soil pH. The GeigyWeed Tables state that henbit {Lamiumamplexicaule L.) thrives in fertile soils when pH is between 6and 7 (1968).Fifteen fertilizer treatments were applied to a Coastal Bermudagrass sod on a Pembroke silt loam at the Main Experiment Station, Univer-sity of Arkansas, Fayetteville, for the years 1968-1976. Nitrogen rates of0, 336, and 672 kg/ha and K rates of0, 84, 168, 336, and 672 kg/ha wereapplied annually.The experimental design was 3X5 factorial arrangement ina randomized complete block. There were four replications. Nitro-gen, as NII4N0,. was applied inthree equal applications after the first three harvests; and K,as KCI,was applied in two equal applications eachseason. Abroadcast application of superphosphate was applied uniformly as needed to supply the phosphorus needs of the plants. InMayof 1974.the 2.45 by 6.10 meter plots were split, and finely ground calcitic limestone was applied randomly to one half of each plot at the rates of 2.5, 5.0and 7.5 MT/ha to the no-N, 336N and 672N treatments, respectively. InMay 1976, each of these three N treatments was relimed at the rate of2.4and 6MT/ha, respectively.The number of weeds and the species were counted 14-15 March 1977, before the bermudagrass emerged, withinan area one meter square,randomly selected from the center of each plot. The data collected were subjected to an analysis of variance to determine the nature of the rela-tionship between the soil amendments and total weed population.The mid-March weed counts showed that henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.)plants accounted for80% of the total weed population. Otherweed species, in decreasing order of abundance, were little barley (Hordeum pusiliumNutt.) at 10%, chickweed at 5%, dandelion at 4%, andwild garlic (Alliumvineale L.). mint (Labeate spp) and other weeds at less than 0.5% each.The average density ofall weeds amounted to 8.7/m1. Neither the N, the K,nor the NXKinteraction affected weed counts. However, boththe limestone and the limestone X nitrogen interaction affected the weed population at the 1% level of significance (Table 1). None of the otherlimestone X fertilizer interactions were significant. The limestone had no effect on the weed population in the no-N treatments, but as N rates in-creased, weed counts significantly declined in unlimed plots and significantly increased inthe limed plots. Visual observation indicated that therewas no amendment X weed species interaction; i.e., the ratio of the several weed species remained constant on the variously limed and fertilizedtreatments. The limed, high-N treatment had almost four times as many weeds as itsunlimed counterpart.Throughout this experiment the soil of the treatments receiving the highest Nrate became progressively more acid. By the time these weedcounts were made, this surface soil had a pH in the mid to high 3's. This extreme soil acidity may have been the factor that suppressed weedgrowth. When the weed counts were taken, the experimental site had a striking checkerboard appearance caused by the bright purple flowers ofthe henbit inthe subplots of the N fertilized treatments which had been limed.While the high N rates on the unlimed treatments affected the weed population inmuch the same manner as reported by Allured et al.(1974) the effect of N fertilization on weed populations of the limed treatments in1977 was markedly different. There was no limestone variable inAllured's 1974 experiment.•Published withthe approval of the Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.Table 1. Effect of long-term annual nitrogen applications, and 1974 and '76 limestone applications, on early spring weed populations in a CoastalBermudagrass sod. Weeds/m 1.annual N rates, kg/haON 336N 672N aveno limestone 7.9c* 5.5d 4.Id 5.8blimed in 1974 &'76 7.7c 11.5b 15.3a 11.5a'Values in the average column and in the interaction table not followed by the same letter are significantly different at the 5% levelof probability88Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 32 [1978], Art. 30Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1978Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXII,1978 89Arkansas Academy of ScienceLITERATURE CITEDALLURED. R. A. 1976. Effect of intensive N and K fertilization ongrowth and persistence ofCoastal Bermudagrass and on the soilchemical environment. M. S. Thesis. University of Arkansas.Favetteville, Ark.BUCHANAN.G. A..C. S. HOVELAND.and M.C. HARRIS. 1975.Response of weeds to soil pH. Weed Science. 23(6):473-477.GEIGY WEED TABLES. 1968. CIBA-GEIGY Chemical Co.. Basle.Switzerland.MEIJDEN. E. VANDER. 1974. The distribution ofSenecio iacohas-al L.and Tyria jacnhaeae L. inrelation to soil properties. ActaBotanica Neerlandica. 23(5-6):681-690.ALLURED. R. A.,E. C. GORDON. L.F.THOMPSON, and R. E.FRANS. 1974. Residual effects of N-K fertilization of CoastalBermudagrass on spring populations of weed species. Arkansa..Academy ofScience Proceedings. 28:9-1 1. NAGEL. D.H. 1977. Yield and elemental content of forage, and soilprofile chemistry, as affected by NH.NO,, KC1, and CaCO, ad-ditions to an established Coastal Bermudagrass sod. M.S. Thesis.University ofArkansas. Favetteville. Ark.BKARD. J. B. 1973. Turfgrass: Science and CULTURE. PrenticeHall. Inc.. Anglewood Cliffs,NJ. pp. 32.S. 339. 381. 408. 414.H. C. FULCHF.R and L.F. THOMPSON. Department of Agronomy. Vniversitv ofArkansas. Favetteville. Arkansas 72701.STATUS OF THE ENDANGERED OZARK BIG-EARED BAT (Plecotus townsendii ingens) IN ARKANSASThree bat taxa endemic to Arkansas are now considered to be endangered (in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion oftheir range). The Indiana bat. Myotissodalis. and the gray bat, M. grisescens. are currently on the United States list of endangered species. TheOzark big-eared bat. Plecotus townsendii ingens. (along withthe Virginia big-eared bat, P. I. virginianus) willbe added pending finallegislation.The Ozark big-eared bat has been reported in small numbers from onlya few caves innorthwestern and north central Arkansas, southwest-ern Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma (U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 1973; Handley 1959; Harvey 1975, 1976, 1978;McDaniel and Gardner 1977; Sealander 1951. 1956: Sealanderand Young 1955). The Department of the Interior. Fish and Wildlife Service (1973)estimated the total number surviving tobe less than 100 and stated that never more than four individuals had ever been found at one time. That in-formation is incorrect. Sealander (1951) reported collecting 11 individuals froma Washington County, Arkansas, cave in1951. Itwas notuntil24years later that a number greater than 11 was reported. Harvey (1975. 1976) reported finding 60P. t. ingens in a western Arkansas cave inFebru-ary, 1975.Due to the small number known, relativity little information is available concerning this particular subspecies. However, much isknownabout the species in other parts ofits range, most of which may also apply to P. t. ingens. Humphrey and Kunz(1976) published a detailed accountconcerning the ecology of the southern Great Plains population ofP. townsendii. considered to be an intergrade ofP. t. pallescens of the southernRocky Mountains and P. t. ingens. In addition, several authors have reported on the biology of the more abundant western subspecies (Handley1959; Barbourand Davis 1969; Graham 1966;Dalquest 1974: Pearson et al. 1952; Twente 1955).Inthe eastern part of their range P. townsendii inhabit caves during both summer and winter, although occasional individuals have been ob-served in buildings during the summer. Inthe western part of their range they are often found in buildings. P. townsendii hibernate in caves ormines where the temperature is 12° C or less, but generally above freezing. They are usually found clustered in groups ofa few to a hundred ormore individuals. The species is veryintolerant of human disturbance and willsometimes vacate a cave ifdisturbed (Humphrey 1969; Humphreyand Kunz 1976; Twente 1955; Barbour and Davis 1969).During the past 5years numerous caves innorthwestern and north central Arkansas were searched in an attempt to locate colonies ofOzarkbig-eared (as well as other) bats. Name, location, and a brief description of each cave, as well as a record of bat taxa and numbers present, wererecorded. Collection of specimens was minimal and usually bats were handled onlyifnecessary for identification purposes. Ecological data suchas temperature and humidityof bat microhabitats were recorded. During warmer seasons limited mist netting was conducted in a variety of habi-tat types.The colony of 60P. t. ingens reported by Harvey (1975, 1976) froma western Arkansas cave inFebruary, 1975, was not present in the cavewhen checked during the followingwinter. However, inearly March, 1978, we discovered a cluster of35 hibernating P. t. ingens inanother cave intsame general area. Both caves are in Washington County. InNovember, 1974, we found eight /'. t. ingens clustered above a guano pile in aionCounty cave. Twoskeletons of this bat were found in the guano. An additional Ozark big-eared bat was found ina Marion County mine inruary. 1974.IAlthough numerous other caves and mines innorthwestern and north central Arkansas weresearched, no additional P. I. ingens were dis-red. Summer mist netting also failed toresult in the capture of Ozark big-eared bats. However, netting was not done in areas near caves ands from whichP. t. ingens have been reported.tOur records indicate that P. t. ingens prefer relatively cold areas of caves forhibernation. Temperatures where Ozark big-eared bats werend ranged from4° C to 9° C: humidity was 85-95%. We know nothing concerning summer habitat of this taxon. Quite likelynursery coloniesit somewhere in Ozark caves, but thus far none have been found.KThe discovery in the last few years ofgroups ofP. t. ingens numbering from eight to 60 individuals indicates that these bats may be presentreater numbers than previously thought. However, the total surviving population may number no more than a few hundred individuals. Theirct status is still relatively unknown. Known colonies will be monitored and attempts willbe made to locate additional colonies as well as toidentify critical habitat requirements for this taxon. Because no cave regularly inhabited by P. t. ingens has been discovered, no critical habitathas as yet been proposed.Numerous individuals have been involvedin our attempts to ascertain the status of the endangered Ozark big-eared bat in Arkansas. Person-»of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, U. S. ForestService, and National Park Servicee supplied information and otherwise aided inmany ways. A number of graduate students and faculty members were involved in field work,sincerely appreciate the efforts of all those who contributed their time and expertise.LITERATURE CITEDBARBOUR. R. W.. and W. H.DAVIS. 1969. Bats ofAmerica. Univ. DALQUEST. W. W. 1947. Notes on the natural historv of the batPress ofKentucky. Lexington. 286 p. Corynorhinus rafinesquii inCalifornia. J. Mammal. 28:17-30.89Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 32 [1978], Art. 30http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol32/iss1/30

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Effect of Limestone on Spring Weed Populations in a Fertilized Coastal Bermudagrass Sod

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