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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbus, Ohio » Soil Drainage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #186948
Title: EXCESS PHOSPHORUS FROM GOLF COURSES CAN TAINT SURFACE WATER

Author
item King, Kevin
item BALOGH, JAMES - SPECTRUM RESEARCH INC

Submitted to: Turfgrass Trends
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2005
Publication Date: 1/1/2006
Citation: King, K.W., Balogh, J.C. 2006. Excess phosphorus from golf courses can taint surface water. Turfgrass Trends. Available: http://www.turfgrasstrends.com/turfgrasstrends/author/authorDetail.jsp?id=27224&searchString=king

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Managed turf accounts for approximately 17 million hectares of land in the U.S. and is the most intensively managed system in the urban landscape. Golf courses account for approximately 3.2% of the turf. The primary objective of this research effort was to assess the watershed scale hydrologic and surface water quality impact from two well managed golf courses. Surface water hydrology and nutrient concentrations were measured for 5 years at Morris Williams Municipal Golf Course, Austin, TX and 2.5 years at Northland Country Club, Duluth, MN. A range of nutrient concentrations were detected in the surface water. Nitrogen and phosphorus loadings from these courses are generally greater than similar losses from native prairies and forest but less than loadings reported for agriculture.