Effects of Three Irrigation Scheduling Methods On Annual Bluegrass Putting Green Management.

As water conservation is examined across the United States it is critical to research how irrigation methods for specific species of grass could be readjusted.  A field study was initiated investigating the effects of three irrigation scheduling methods on leachate quantity and quality, rooting depth, and disease occurrence on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) putting greens.  The three irrigation treatments were applied throughout the growing season and consisted of replacing 80% evapotranspiration, adjusting irrigation based on root depth, and utilizing soil moisture to schedule irrigation.  Plots consisted of USGA specification putting greens plumbed with plastic lysimeters and planted to annual bluegrass.  Leachate collection included total volumes and analysis of nitrate and soluble phosphorus.  From August through October 2010, the data show that the daily evapotranspiration treatment produced significantly less leachate and lower irrigation volumes.  Due to the shallow rooting system of annual bluegrass, daily evapotranspiration replacement and root depth adjusted irrigation treatments may not result in any significant differences over the season.