Establishing Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass Using Subsurface Irrigation and Saline Water

Abstract

Subsurface capillary irrigation (SCI), drip lines surrounded by a patented membrane, is purported to conserve irrigation water by applying water more evenly and efficiently. A study was conducted at New Mexico State University from 2009 to 2011 to investigate the establishment of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) irrigated using either SCI or a sprinkler irrigation system in combination with saline (electrical conductivity [EC] = 2.8 dS m−1) or potable water (EC = 0.6 dS m−1). Tall fescue was seeded in September 2009 and in October 2010 for the second establishment experiment together with Kentucky bluegrass. Seedling density 30 d after seeding (DAS) was greater on sprinkler‐irrigated plots than on SCI plots. Generally, sprinkler‐irrigated plots achieved greater ground coverage at the end of the establishment period than SCI plots. Capillary‐irrigated plots reached 75% ground cover as fast as sprinkler‐irrigated ones in 2010 (202 and 212 DAS. respectively) but were slower in 2011. At the end of both growing seasons, higher EC levels were measured in SCI plots than in sprinkler‐irrigated plots. The highest Na concentration (26.3 mmolc L−1) and Na adsorption ratio (13.0) were measured on plots irrigated through SCI with saline water. Results suggest that SCI can be used to establish cool‐season turfgrass; however, grow‐in of subsurface‐irrigated turf can be delayed compared with sprinkler irrigation. Further research is needed to determine if acceptable turf quality can be maintained past establishment when using a SCI system in combination with lower quality, saline water.

Plant Growth Regulator and Soil Surfactants’ Effects on Saline and Deficit Irrigated Warm‐Season Grasses: I. Turf Quality and Soil Moisture

“…Salinity was also not problematic when saline water was applied through SDI. Although our results confirm those of Sevostianova et al (2011a) and Schiavon et al (2012Schiavon et al ( , 2013, who documented increased salinity levels in soil irrigated through SDI, quality and NDVI of subsurface-irrigated turf did not differ for two of the 3 yr between those given saline water and those receiving potable water. These results suggest that it is possible to maintain acceptable quality in warm-season species in an arid environment with deficit irrigation (50% ET OS ) and saline water.…”

Using Electro‐Magnetic Induction to Determine Soil Salinity and Sodicity in Turf Root Zones

“…and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) with saline or potable water applied from either a sprinkler or a subsurface drip system (Schiavon et al, 2013). The experimental design of the study was a completely randomized block with water quality as whole block and irrigation system as subplot treatments (about 23 m 2 ).…”

“…The system was operated at 200 kPa and had an emitter delivery rate of 1.6 L h -1 . Irrigation lines were installed according to the manufacturer's (Schiavon et al, 2013). The dominant soil map unit at the study site was Bluepoint (mixed, thermic Typic Torripsamments) (USDA-NRCS, 2012).…”

“…In August 2011, at the conclusion of the study (Schiavon et al, 2013), EC a were measured using a model EM38 EMI meter manufactured by Geonics Limited, Mississauga, ON, Canada. Measurements were taken with the coil configuration of the meter oriented in the horizontal position thereby providing an effective measurement depth of about 75 cm, which covered the root zone of turfgrass.…”

“…However, there may be limitations in the ability of SDI systems to leach salts from the root zone. When SDI systems in combination with saline water are used to irrigate turf areas the fraction of the root zone above the emitters (where most of the roots are accumulated) that receives water only through capillary raise may not be sufficiently flushed with water to leach out the salts (Schiavon et al, 2013;Sevostianova et al, 2011aSevostianova et al, , 2011b.…”