Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fertilization
No uniform fertilization programme is suitable for all greens. Even
different greens on the same golf course often have different fertilization
requirements. A soil test should be conducted before a new fertilization
programme is begun and all nutrient deficiencies corrected at this time.
Afterwards, one of the following types of programme can be chosen. In
the arid or semi-arid tropics, a complete fertilizer with a high nitrogen
ratio (4-1-1) can be used throughout the programme. In the humid trop-
ics, straight nitrogen sources can be used regularly and phosphorus and
potassium supplied infrequently. A continuous supply of potassium in
arid climates may somewhat increase turf-grass resistance to environ-
mental stresses such as drought, heat and great changes between day and
night temperatures (see potassium fertilization in Chapter 5, this vol-
ume). Because the level of environmental stresses in the humid tropics
is usually lower, potassium fertilization can be more sporadic. Under
either fertilization programme, a soil test should be done yearly that
determines whether soil levels of essential elements are being maintained
or whether adjustments are needed.
Because turf-grasses use nitrogen in large quantities, and because
nitrogen readily leaches from the soil, nitrogen fertilizers should be ap-
plied routinely throughout the year. About 0.25-0.5 kg N/100 m 2 per
month is required for cynodon putting greens. Paspalum requires less,
about 0.1-0.2 kg N/100 m 2 per month. If a granular soluble nitrogen
source is used, the total monthly nitrogen allotment can be divided in
half and applied biweekly; if a soluble liquid source is used, weekly
applications of one-quarter of the total monthly allotment should be used.
Fertilization with phosphorus, potassium and other essential elem-
ents was discussed in more detail in Chapter 5. Their management on
putting greens is not different from that on other turf areas. No more than
100 g of iron sulphate, or ferrous ammonium sulphate per 100 m 2 , should
be dissolved in 25 l of water if iron is to be applied to the foliage,
otherwise greens may experience burn or discoloration. If yearly soil
tests detect any nutrient deficiencies, they should be corrected by appli-
cation of the lacking nutrient.
Irrigation
Irrigation of greens is challenging. Different green, or even different
sections of the same green, may have different exposure, traffic intensity,
shade conditions, slope, etc. All these factors influence water infiltration,
percolation and retention, as well as evapotranspiration rates, and must
be considered when irrigation is scheduled.
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