ARS | Publication request: Hydrologic and Water Quality Assessment from Managed Turf

Submitted to: USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 18, 2007
Publication Date: January 15, 2008
Citation: King, K.W., Balogh, J.C. 2008. Hydrologic and Water Quality Assessment from Managed Turf. USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online. 7(2):1-12.

Technical Abstract: The potential for nutrients and pesticides to be transported to surface water from turf systems (especially golf courses) is often debated because of limited information on water quality exiting these systems. This four year study quantified the amount and quality of water draining from part of Northland Country Club, a golf course located in Duluth, MN. Based on the data collected at this site, the following hydrologic and water quality results were achieved. Runoff plus tile flow from this course was equivalent to 47% of the rainfall. The nitrogen fertilization regime used on this course appears to pose little risk for significant inorganic nitrogen transport to surface water. The phosphorus concentrations measured in the discharge water indicate the need for thorough soil sampling prior to additional phosphorus application, including characterization of soils saturated with precipitated phosphorus. Nitrogen and phosphorus loading to surface water from this course was generally somewhat greater than or similar to reported loadings from native prairies and forests, but were less than the loadings reported from agricultural cropland. 2,4-D and chlorothalonil concentrations and loads were consistent with those previously reported on plot scales.