Runoff water quality from turfgrass established using volume-based composted municipal biosolids applications.
Municipal programs for turfgrass establishment recommend large volume-based application rates of composted municipal biosolids (CMB). This study compared runoff water quality among combinations of two common turfgrass establishment practices and two CMB sources. Bryan- or Austin-CMB were incorporated into 5 cm of soil at a rate of 12.5 or 25% by volume (v/v) on an 8.5% slope. Tifway bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy, var. Tifway] sprigs were planted and established; sod, produced at a separate site using either CMB amendment at the 25% v/v rate, was transplanted to the runoff plots on the same day. A mature stand of bermudagrass was used as a control. Runoff water was collected after each of eight natural rain events during the sampling period. Total runoff water loss (mm) was similar for the CMB-amended sprigged and transplanted sod stands. The concentration of total dissolved P (TDP) in runoff water was greatest from the transplanted sod in the first seven rain events (4.1 to 7.5 mg L(-1)). The concentration of TDP in runoff water was similar at both the 12.5 and 25% v/v incorporation rates. Regression analysis indicated Mehlich-3-extractable soil test P concentrations in soil amended with CMB were positively correlated to concentration and mass loss of dissolved P in runoff. At similar application rates, dissolved P loss in runoff water was reduced by incorporating CMB into the soil on site rather than transplanting sod produced with CMB.
Hansen
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The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 1328 Dover Rd., Wooster, OH 44691, USA. hansen.209@osu.edu
Vietor
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Munster
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White
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Provin
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D031744:Cynodon / Q000254:growth & development*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*; D012722:Sewage / Q000032:analysis; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*
D012722:Sewage; D012987:Soil; D014867:Water; D010758:Phosphorus; D009584:Nitrogen