Biosolid and alum effects on runoff losses during turfgrass establishment.
Large, volume-based rates of composted biosolids (CB) enhance turfgrass establishment and soil properties, but nonpoint-source runoff losses could occur during production and after transplanting of sod. The objective was to evaluate runoff losses of N, P, sediment, and organic C during establishment of sprigs or transplanted sod of Tifway bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. X C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davey) with and without CB and aluminum sulfate (Alum). Four treatments comprised Tifway sprigged in a sandy loam soil with and without incorporation of 0.25 m(3) CB m(-3) soil and Alum. In four additional treatments, sod transplanted from Tifway grown with and without CB was established with and without a surface spray of Alum. During early establishment, CB incorporated in soil before sprigging reduced runoff loss of sediment and total N to amounts comparable to transplanted sod. In contrast, mean runoff losses of total dissolved P and soluble-reactive P (SRP) were more than 50% greater for CB-amended sod than for fertilizer-grown sod or Tifway sprigged in soil with or without CB. Yet, the surface spray of Alum reduced runoff loss from sod more than 88% for SRP and 41% for dissolved organic C. Both surface sprays and incorporation of Alum effectively reduced SRP runoff loss from CB, soil, and turfgrass sources during turfgrass establishment.
Vietor
D M
DM
Soil and Crop Sciences Department, 2474 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2474, USA. dvietor@tamu.edu
Schnell
R W
RW
Munster
C L
CL
Provin
T L
TL
White
R H
RH
D000534:Alum Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D018533:Biomass; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D006109:Poaceae; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D011891:Rain; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D012995:Solubility; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis
D000534:Alum Compounds; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D012722:Sewage; D012987:Soil; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D010758:Phosphorus; C041524:aluminum sulfate; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen