Problem Weeds of Turfgrasses Tim R. Murphy Crop and Soil Sciences The University of Georgia.
Water Quality & Quantity Issues For Turfgrasses In Urban ... · Water Quality & Quantity Issues For...
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Water Quality & Quantity Issues For Turfgrasses In Urban Landscapes
Urban Perennial Grasses In Times of a Water Crisis: Benefits and Concerns
Dr. Mike Kenna
US Golf Association
Water Quality and Quantity Issues for Turfgrasses in Urban Landscapes
3-Day Workshop held January 23-25, 2006 in Las Vegas, NevadaHosted by The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)Opportunity to discuss issues facing the turfgrass and water industries
COLRCAST
Water Quality and Quantity Issues for Turfgrasses in Urban Landscapes
25 ScientistsCo-chaired by Dr. James Beard, Texas A&M University and Dr. Mike Kenna, USGALinda Chimenti, Managing Scientific Editor, CASTOne free copy to all current CAST members
What�s the Problem?
Proponents:Environmental and human benefitsDecreased runoff from storm eventsErosion and pollution controlHeat dissipationRecreational and business opportunitiesEnhanced property values
Critics:Use excessive waterRequire unnecessary pesticides and fertilizersDisturb existing land-use patternsWaste time, money and Resources
Population � Areas of Growth
U.S. Precipitation
U.S. Freshwater Withdrawals, 2000
Converging: Population GrowthLimited Water SuppliesHigh Water-Use Rates
Pending Water CrisisRapidly expanding population, specifically in areas of limited or unreliable water resources
Growing economy with new home construction and business development
Potential shift of environmental conditions for plants and animals that rely on water used by humans
Landscape plant water requirements Social and cultural aspects associated with the availability of clean, fresh water
Understanding �Peak Demand�
Addressing �Peak Demand�
Landscape-Created Peak DemandHigh-demand peak of a short duration
System response issuesResource Supply and AvailabilityStorage and TreatmentDistribution
Calls for Conservation
Turf Restrictions Result
Water PolicyOur drinking water system is extremely decentralized
Local government ownershipIndependent government authority ownershipPrivately owned companiesPublic-private partnerships
Environmental Protection AgencyClean Water ActSafe Drinking Water ActPrevent pollution and decrease risk to humans and ecosystemsIntegrated federal, state, and local implementationPositive impact on water protection and conservation
Water Use and ConservationSelect correct turfgrass for the climateProper landscape designDevelop sustainable water management plans
Development of Native Species
Limited water, poor quality water, poor soils
Deep root system reaching 8 feet when mowed at 2.5 inches (4x KBG)
Improve Adaptation of Major Turf Species
Improve Adaptation of Major Turf Species
Specific Cultural PracticesMowing height and frequencyTurfgrass nutritionTurfgrass irrigationSoil cultivationTopdressingWetting agentsPlant growth regulatorsPest management
Irrigation Efficiency
Rain sensorsLicensed Irrigation Designers Yearly system reviewDesigns reviewed and work inspectedRebate for design changes
San Antonio, TX - Seasonal Irrigation Program (SIP) Brochure
Seasonal Irrigation Program (SIP)Based on PET related to four years of studiesSimple program � One weather stationTexas Cooperative ExtensionNewspaper, radio, e-mail, hotline, and phone messageRecommendation based on turf typeMaster Gardener�s and Gardening Volunteers sign folks up5,000 signed up, 20% savings realized
Water Conservation OrdinancePassed In January, 2005
Unanimous vote with support of turfgrass industry new home builders, car washes, irrigators
Landscapes on new homesFour inches of soil under turfZoned irrigationTurf varieties survive 60 days drought
Rain Sensors
Drought Restrictions and EnforcementDesigned to reduce water use, but preserve lawnMain restrictions � Water lawn one day/week based on addressSaved 14.9% over six months in 2000Stage three (3), water every two weeksFive part-time police officers cite violators with misdemeanor ticket
Gallons Per Capita Per Day
SAWS Service area has grown by 300,000 since early 90�s, but no new water used.
Reclaimed WaterIncreased usage by golf coursesHigher turfgrass growth ratesMinimal downward movement of nutrients
Using Recycled or Brackish WaterEfficient and uniform water application
Filtration of suspended matter
Groundwater quality monitoring programs may be required
Protect adjacent properties or bodies of water from irrigation runoff or overspray.
Pesticide and Nutrient FateThe research shows that undermost conditions, the small amounts of pesticides and nutrients that move through the soil are found at levels below the health and safety standards established by the U.S. EPA
Thatch layer in a typical turfgrass
1.14 m (3.75 ft) diameter
Monolith Lysimeters
Constructed between 1989-19911.20 m (4 ft)
Nitrogen Leaching � 1998 to 2005
Year
98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06
mg/
L
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Low N R ate H igh N R ate
RunoffClimate
temperature, evapotranspiration, and volume, intensity, and duration of precipitation
Site and Soil Conditionssoil texture and organic matter content, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, thatch layer presence, landscape slope, and proximity to water resources
Managementirrigation, drainage, fertilizer and pesticide application, and cultural practices.
Nitrogen Runoff Rate
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Time After Initial Runoff (min)
N lo
ss (%
of a
pplie
d/m
in )
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Small plotsLarge plotsTime * Plot size Pr > F = 0.003
Phosphorus Runoff Rate
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
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1.2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Time After Initial Runoff (min)
P lo
ss (%
of a
pplie
d/m
in)
.
Small PlotsLarge Plots
Time * Plot size Pr > F = 0.037
0 10 20 30 40
1E-3
0.01
0.1
1
10
100
1000
Lo
g - R
eser
voir
Con
cent
ratio
n (u
g/L)
Compounds - Sorted high to low
USGS Monitoring Results Acute (Peak) Model predictions
Tier I Model Predictions vs. Monitoring
Maximum Measured Value from Study
EPA PRZM-EXAMS Scenarios vs. Monitoring
Tiphia wasp lays egg on masked chafer grub.
Insect Biological control
Host Plant Resistance
Comprehensive Approaches - BMPsScience-basedIncorporates all strategies in the ecosystem Embodies all stakeholders and their social, economic, and environmental concernsValues education and communication outreachAllows integration of new technologies and conceptsApplied at the regulatory, watershed, community, and site-specific levels, as well as in educational realmsMaintains flexibility to adjust to new situations.
Benefits of BMPs modelMove forward in a positive and unified manner
Excellent environmental modelDemonstrates a high degree of environmental stewardship
Provides for research, education, and extension needs to serve the turfgrass industry and society
Environmental Management SystemsConsiders all environmental issues and consequences on a site
Includes economic consequences and potential adverse effects
Assessment of economic or investment concern whenever peak demand becomes a driving force in decisions about providing water to the public
The tendency is to use a simplistic approach for eliminating certain water uses by enacting public laws. A single- issue approach, however, can lead to other potentially serious problems.
Water issues need to be addressed:In an integrated manner
Fiscal realities facing the nation need to be recognized in order to effectively coordinate the actions of federal, state, tribal, and local governments
Perceived environmental problems must not be addressed in isolation, but in terms of all the interrelationships and stakeholders associated with these landscapes
The ultimate goal is to provide quality urban areas for activities and recreation while conserving and protecting our water supply.
Questions and Discussion?