Page 24 - Transitioning Turfgrass

TRANSITIONING TURFGRASS

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The US Experiences on Sustainable

Turfgrass Management

Michael Kenna, Program Director, USGA Green Section Research

The USGA’s vision for turfgrass and environmen- focused on new technology such as the time do-
tal research is to “use science as the foundation main reflectometry (TDR), soil moisture sensors
to benefit golf.” Since 1983, the USGA has em- and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with spec-
phasized sustainable turfgrass management and tral cameras (Fig. 2, page 21). Now, additional
environmental protection in several ways. Here projects are conducted on the adoption of preci-
are six ways the USGA has supported research to sion irrigation technology. Since 2005, a 21 per-
achieve this goal. cent reduction in water usages was achieved by
U.S. golf courses.

Water Conservation
Environmental Benefits
Early research on turfgrass water use established
the amount of evapotranspiration for the grasses The social and economic value of green space
used on golf courses (Fig. 1). The results lead to that a golf course provides to the community
the development of water budgets and improved was emphasized. Golf courses provide valuable
irrigation scheduling to reduce water use. In areas wildlife habit in out of play areas allowed to grow
where recycled water was available, the USGA native plant materials. Wildlife Links, a cooper-
strongly encouraged it to be used. Research also ative research program with the National Fish

Figure 1 Average daily evapotranspiration (ET) of cool-season and warm-season turfgrasses
over five years (University of California, Riverside, California, U.S.A).

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