Runoff and Leaching of Pesticides in Golf Course

Abstract

An investigation of runoff property of pesticides applied in a golf course was conducted by using lysimeters and at actual golf courses. In lysimeter experiment, a remarkable leaching was observed in only 5 pesticides [trichlorfon (DEP), metalaxyl, isoprothiolane, flutolanil and iprodione] with at least 100mm of precipitation.The leaching was scarce in other 12pesticides [bensulide (SAP), isofenphos, fenitrothion (MEP), fenarimol, triflumizole, tetrachlorvinphos (CVMP), pyridaphenthion, oxine-copper, isoxathion, prothiofos, tolclofosmethyl, pendimethalin] with sum of 440mm of precipitation for 51 days. The leaching pattern of the 5 pesticides showed a single broad peak. There was a tendency that pesticides with a high water solubility had a potential to move downward.In putting green experiment, all the 3 pesticides applied (isofenphos, flutolanil and metalaxyl) were detected in leaching water with only 10mm of precipitation.There was no significant difference among the pesticides in the concentrations during experimental period for 41 days. In fairway experiment, all the 4 pesticides (propyzamide, SAP, MEP and iprodione) were detected in the surface water with at least 10-20 mm precipitation.Concentration of pesticides in the surface water from the putting green and fairway experiments was higher than that in the leaching water.Since the present experiments were carried out during the winter period, attention should be paid to the fact that the environmental conditions are different from those in spring to fall when pesticides are usually applied to golf courses.

Pesticides in Golf Course Waters Associated with Golf Course Runoff

“…Pesticide Detection Recovery (%) limit (ng mL-1) Solid-phase Liquid/liquid extraction extraction pesticides with relatively high water solubility can be washed away from the turf greens (Odanaka et al 1994). Pesticides with low water solubility tend to be adsorbed by the turf greens and the soil or degraded on the spot (Miles et al 1992).…”

“…The adverse effects of golf courses on the environment have caused so much concern in recent years, that a World No-Golf Day has been declared by conservation groups (Allison et al 1994). Some studies on the behavior of pesticides in golf courses have been reported in the past few years (Smith et al 1993;Miles et al 1992. Odanaka et al 1994.…”

Use of insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis for control of grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in turf

“…The principles governing movement of chemical pesticides may also apply to understanding of Bt performance in turfgrass environments . The same concerns which apply to chemical insecticides, such as the physical and chemical properties of the soil, other environmental variables including turfgrass variety and maturity, thickness of the thatch layer, microbial populations, temperature, and soil moisture, may similarly apply to Bt outcome in turf Kenna 1995;Odanaka et al 1993).…”

“…Additional concerns affecting safe and effective use on turf are the increased likelihood of human proximity, presence of grass, presence of thatch, as well as the common use of irrigation (Odanaka et al 1993;Kenna 1995;. Chemical properties of the insecticide, the physical and chemical properties of the soil, and other environmental variables including turfgrass variety and maturity, thickness of the thatch layer, microbial populations, temperature, and soil moisture, either by irrigation or rainfall, all affect the fate of insecticides in turf Kerma 1995;Odanaka et al 1993). Insecticides with a moderate to high adsorption coefficient greater than 100, bind to organic matter in the thatch layer and soil, and reduce the risk for groundwater contamination (Kenna 1995).…”

“…Insecticides with low volatility, a tendency for photolysis, hydrolysis, or microbial utilization, each balanced with the need for insecticide effectiveness, present reduced risks to the environment in contrast to insecticides with greater stability and persistence (Kenna 1995;Odanaka et al 1993). Irrigation is commonly recommended after pesticide application to rinse the pesticide off the surface of the turf and grass blades.…”