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Project Leader(s): Dr. A. Martin
Petrovic, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University
Zachary M. Easton, Department of Horticulture,
Cornell University
Cooperator(s): Dr. Frank Rossi,
Department of Horticulture, Cornell University
Dr. Eric Nelson, Department of Plant
Pathology, Cornell University
Dr. Paul Robbins, Department of Entomology,
Cornell University
Dr. Leslie Weston, Department of Horticulture,
Cornell University
Dr. Pim Larsson-Kovach, Department of
Food Science, Cornell University
Dr. Don Lisk, Department of Horticulture,
Cornell University
Dr. Jennifer Grant, Department of Horticulture,
Cornell University
Type of grant: Research and Development,
Continuing Systems Comparison Trials
Project location(s): Cornell
University Horticultural Research Laboratory, Bluegrass Lane, Ithaca,
NY
Abstract: The impact of various
turfgrass pest management strategies (PMS) on water quality has recently
become a concern for many golf course superintendents, sports facilities
managers and homeowners. With water quality standards becoming increasingly
stringent, management practices have had to follow suit. Uses of alternative
control strategies have become increasingly important. This includes
the use of biological, cultural and preventative control practices to
reduce pest pressure, as well as environmental impacts. Turfgrass is,
no doubt, a beneficial addition to most ecosystems, yet when mismanaged
could cause harm as well. Mismanagement of the turfgrass ecosystem could
greatly influence the nitrogen, phosphate and pesticide levels in surface
and ground water, causing problems for communities that depend on clean
water for consumption as well as recreation. Aquatic ecosystems as well
can be severely harmed by increased levels of nitrogen and phosphate,
which can cause algal bloom, decreased dissolved oxygen levels, and
eutrophication, which in turn has an impact on nearly all ecosystems.
Pesticides that find their way into surface or ground water pose a problem
to exposed species ranging from fish to humans. When pesticides are
found in drinking water above set levels, the water is no longer potable,
and is in many cases very dangerous to consume. When managed correctly,
turfgrass provides many positive attributes, including increased UV
absorption, CO2 remediation, soil stabilization, habitat, ground and
surface water filtration, and aesthetic and recreational benefits. We
are studying the impact of three of the most commonly implemented turfgrass
pest management systems, (preventative, IPM, and organic systems) on
surface and ground water quality and turfgrass performance. The results
will hopefully provide answers on how to produce acceptable turfgrass
quality while protecting the environment.
Results of this study to date have been
unable to select pest management strategy that is the best. Nutrient
analysis indicates that all systems; Organic IPM and Preventative have
the potential to negatively impact water quality. Establishment was
the most dangerous time, with large concentrations of nutrients, especially
nitrate, found in water. Pesticide movement via runoff was greatest
for Preventative PMS. Overall the results to date indicate that the
PMS selected may not be the most important factor impacting water quality.
What is clear is that environmental and site
conditions dictate turfgrass effects on water quality. The soil type, organic
matter content, infiltration rate, slope, and water content can and in many
cases do influence nutrient and pesticide runoff and leachate. Rainfall rate,
intensity and duration play an important role in both pesticide and nutrient
retention. Adequate turfgrass density and organic carbon content will minimize
and in some cases altogether prevent contaminant movement off site. Pesticide
formulation and application timing are important, and should be evaluated as
part of any pest management system. Across the board, none of the pest management
systems produced consistently significantly lower impacts on water quality.
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