Fertilizer Source Effect on Ground and Surface Water Quality in Drainage from Turfgrass

Abstract

Nutrients in surface and ground water can affect human and aquatic organisms that rely on water for consumption and habitat. A mass-balance field study was conducted over two years (July 2000-May 2001) to determine the effect of nutrient source on turfgrass runoff and leachate. Treatments were arranged in an incomplete randomized block design on a slope of 7 to 9% of Arkport sandy loam (coarseloamy, mixed, active, mesic Lamellic Hapludalf) and seeded with Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Three natural organic (dairy and swine compost and a biosolid) and two synthetic organic nutrient sources (readily available urea and controlled-release N source sulfur-coated urea) were applied at rates of 50 and 100 kg N ha(-1) per application (200 kg ha(-1) yr(-1)). Runoff water collected from 33 storms and composite monthly leachate samples collected with ion exchange resins were analyzed for nitrate (NO3- -N), phosphate (PO4(3-) -P), and ammonium (NH4+ -N). Nutrient concentrations and losses in both runoff and leachate were highest for the 20-wk period following turfgrass seeding. The NO3- -N and NH4+ -N losses declined significantly once turfgrass cover was established, but PO4(3-) -P levels increased in Year 2. Turf's ability to reduce nutrient runoff and leachate was related to overall plant growth and shoot density. The use of natural organics resulted in greater P loss on a percent applied P basis, while the more soluble synthetic organics resulted in greater N loss.

Environmental Impacts of Enhanced-Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers

“…In general, few studies have addressed the effects of adding slow-and controlled-release fertilizers on runoff in agronomic crops. Research on turfgrass indicates that slow-and controlled-release fertilizers may be effective in reducing N in runoff during the first year of turfgrass establishment, but not in subsequent years (10). Nitrogen concentrations in floodwater used in rice production were lower when sulfur-coated urea was applied compared to urea and ammonium sulfate fertilizer applications (7).…”

Suburban Groundwater Quality as Influenced by Turfgrass and Septic Sources, Delmarva Peninsula, USA

“…In contrast, the geochemical signature of groundwater beneath turfgrass in residential lawns has not been determined in this region. Furthermore, studies of nitrate loss from turfgrass management often involve controlled field experiments with vadose-zone monitoring (e.g., Easton and Petrovic, 2004;Frank et al, 2006;Frank, 2008;Geron et al, 1993;Guertal and Howe, 2012;Guillard and Kopp, 2004;Mangiafico and Guillard, 2006;Morton et al, 1988). Survey data, however, suggest that actual suburban fertilizer usage may not be well represented by controlled studies and can be highly variable (Law et al, 2004).…”

Does a Mixed‐Species Landscape Reduce Inorganic‐Nitrogen Leaching Compared to a Conventional St. Augustinegrass Lawn?

“…research to evaluate residential landscape models for their potential to reduce N leaching. As a result, recent studies have demonstrated the potential for residential landscape models (i.e., vegetation type and associated maintenance regimes) to infl uence N leaching (Hipp et al, 1993;Broschat, 1995;Erickson et al, 2001;Bowman et al, 2002;Easton and Petrovic, 2004;Frank et al, 2005;Amador et al, 2007). Currently, the predominant residential landscape model in Florida consists of a monoculture of St. Augustinegrass [SA; Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.)…”