Open AccessComparison of fresh versus effluent water irrigation on soil chemical properties of golf course greens and fairways
Author(s) -
Isweiri Hanan,
Qian Yaling,
Davis Jessica G.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international turfgrass society research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2573-1513
DOI - 10.1002/its2.42
Subject(s) - effluent , irrigation , environmental science , soil water , agronomy , phosphorus , environmental engineering , chemistry , soil science , biology , organic chemistry
In arid and semiarid areas, an increase in water demand has forced urban planners to use alternative water resources for turfgrass irrigation. In this study, the soil chemical properties of push‐up greens and fairways on two golf courses that use either effluent water or fresh water were compared. The study was conducted on two golf courses in Wyoming. Golf Course A started to use effluent water for irrigation in 2007 while Golf Course B has always used fresh water. From 2003 to 2013, a total of 238 soil samples of greens (104 from Golf Course A and 134 from Golf Course B) were collected, and 90 soil samples (45 from Golf Course A and 45 from Golf Course B) were collected from fairways. The soil analyses showed that many changes occurred over time due to the use of effluent water irrigation. After 6 yr of using effluent water, soil electrical conductivity (EC) increased but remained well below the critical threshold levels for turf , whereas soil pH increased by 0.42 units. From 2007 to 2012, sodium levels increased by 2‐ to 5‐fold. The availability of micronutrients (Fe and Mn) decreased, especially on greens irrigated with effluent water. Soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels increased after using effluent water, which would be beneficial for turfgrass and lower fertilization requirements.