Cyclic Irrigation of Turfgrass Using a Shallow Saline Aquifer

Abstract

Utilization of poor quality waters in the urban landscape has the potential of saving large quantities o f good quality water for higher priority uses. Bennudagrass in particular is well suited to be irrigated with poorer quality water. A two-year field study was conducted to determine the long-term effects o f applying shallow saline aqui&r water to two turfgnss sports fields. The water (0.69-3.4 dSm ') was applied using cyclic irrigation during peak demand months (Mty-Oct). Treatments consisted o f cycling saline water through the existing irrigation systems. Saline substitution o f fiesh water was set at 1,2,3 and 4 times per 7 freshwater irrigation events. Irrigations were applied using an ET feedback system and imposmg a leadm^finction o f 0.15. Turf color and cover, canopy temperature, hulk soQ conductivity, soil moisture, leaf water potential, tissue moisture content and stomatal conductance were monitored on a bimonthly basis during the peak demand months. AU plots except for control, were instrumented with tensiometers and salinity sensors. Soil samples (2430 total samples at the University and 1530 total samples at the high school she) were taken yearty from each plot in a 5 x 5 m

Soil Salinity and Quality of Sprinkler and Drip Irrigated Warm‐Season Turfgrasses

“…Irrigating turfgrasses with saline waters requires careful rootzone management to prevent detrimental levels of salt accumulation. Adding a leaching fraction to the required irrigation amount, blending irrigation water, or alternating sources of irrigation water have all been suggested as strategies to manage salinity accumulation (Ayers and Westcot, 1985; Dean et al, 1996; Schaan et al, 2003; Rhoades, 1989). In this study we added a leaching fraction (irrigation was applied at 110% ET o ) and relied on natural precipitation to manage salinity in the top 20 cm of the rootzone.…”

“…In the southwestern United States 37% of all golf courses are currently irrigated with recycled water (Throssell et al, 2009). Saline groundwater extracted from shallow depths has also been suggested as a source of irrigation water for landscapes (Schaan et al, 2003). An estimated 75% of New Mexico's groundwater is considered saline or brackish and unusable for human consumption (Reynolds, 1962).…”

“…An estimated 75% of New Mexico's groundwater is considered saline or brackish and unusable for human consumption (Reynolds, 1962). Like saline groundwater, recycled water and most sources of impaired water usually contain a much higher concentration of salts than traditional irrigation water (Schaan et al, 2003; Dean‐Knox et al, 1998; Harivandi, 1994). Investigating the feasibility of using saline water to irrigate warm‐season turf has been the subject of many studies.…”

“…Investigating the feasibility of using saline water to irrigate warm‐season turf has been the subject of many studies. Schaan et al (2003) reported that a 2‐yr cyclic irrigation practice, using saline groundwater at a rate of one, two, three, or four times per seven irrigation events during the peak water demand periods did not have significant effect on color or cover of overseeded bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.)]. Dean et al (1996) found that color and percent cover of bermudagrass remained unchanged when irrigated with a mixture of saline and municipal water if the ratio of irrigation volume to potential evapotranspiration remained above a species‐specific threshold.…”

Response of Seashore Paspalum Turfgrass to Irrigation Periods and Humic Acid

“…As for the effects of irrigation periods, Schaan et al (2003) mentioned that elongating irrigation periods saved irrigation fresh water and N loss, but led to little changes in colour, cover and plant water status of both Cynodon dactylon L. "Tifway" and Lolium perenne L. "Champion". ElMaadawy et al (2005) Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the effect of irrigation periods, alone or with humic acid organic fertilizer on growth and quality of seashore paspalum turf.…”