Nitrogen and phosphorus transport and turfgrass response on golf greens constructed of sand mixes amended with various organic materials.

摘要

There are numerous organic amendments available for golf green construction. This study is divided into three parts: laboratory, greenhouse and field. The following amendments mixed with sand were used: steer manure (SM), peat moss (PM), biosolid and yard waste (BS) and steer manure plus peat moss (SP). The laboratory and greenhouse studies evaluated the physical and chemical properties of the mixes. The greenhouse study also evaluated bentgrass quality and performance, and the nitrogen and phosphorous content in leachate collected from root zone mixes. The field study examined turf quality, microbiological counts, nitrogen, and phosphorus transport in sand mixes. Physical properties included particle size distribution, total porosity, air filled porosity (P air) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of the sand rootzone mixes. PM enhanced moisture retention and had the lowest Ksat . Green house results consisted of chemical analysis that revealed that all treatments had a high pH and low organic matter content. Results also showed most nutrient levels were within acceptable ranges for turf growth. However, extractable phosphorous was highest in the steer manure sand mix. Germination data revealed that the fastest turf establishment was on peat moss mix but steer manure had the best turf quality. The leachate results were significantly highest in nitrogen and phosphorous from SM treatments. Field study results consisted of steer manure treatments that had higher turf quality throughout the experimental period. The initial leachate of NO 3-N levels for steer + peat were over 300 mg l -1 and peat moss below 20 mg l-1. In the following year after grow in period of bentgrass, none of the treatments had leachate levels over 16 mg l-1. Levels above 20 mg l-1 of orthophosphate leachate were observed on all steer treatments. The highest amount for PM leachate was 0.4 mg l-1 while for the BS mix was 2 mg l-1. Steer manure treatments increased microbial populations.;Organic amendments used in golf green construction should not be similarly managed. It is important to examine both the chemical and physical properties of the mixes to determine the best management practice for the health of turfgrass and safety of environment.