Strategies to protect water quality: Evaluation of management practices to reduce the off-site transport of pesticides with runoff from turfgrass

Authors: Rice, Pamela; HORGAN, BRIAN - University Of Minnesota; Hamlin, Jennifer

Submitted to: IUPAC Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2019
Publication Date: 5/14/2019
Citation: Rice, P.J., Horgan, B.P., Hamlin, J.L. 2019. Strategies to protect water quality: Evaluation of management practices to reduce the off-site transport of pesticides with runoff from turfgrass. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) International Congress of Crop Protection Chemistry. Ghent Belgium, May 19-24, 2019.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Management of turfgrass on golf courses and athletic fields often involves application of plant protection products to maintain or enhance turfgrass health and performance. Application rates of pesticides for golf course turf are typically greater than for agricultural crops or tended residential or commercial lawns. The detection of pesticides, associated with turfgrass management, in storm runoff and surface waters of urban watersheds has raised concerns regarding their source and potential environmental effects, and has verified a need for strategies to reduce their inputs. This presentation summarizes multiple field studies comparing the effectiveness of physical management of turfgrass, chemical strategies, and turfgrass variety to reduce the off-site transport of pesticides with runoff from turfgrass maintained as a golf course fairway. Side-by-side evaluations were performed on plots equipped with automated samplers and a rainfall simulator for equivalent storm events. Core cultivation, verticutting and a combination of these processes were compared for the physical management practices. Chemical strategies included the evaluation of different application setback distances and the influence of physical-chemical properties of the pesticide active ingredients. Impact of the turfgrass variety on the quantity of pesticides transport off-site with surface runoff was also determined with the comparison of conventional creeping bentgrass (Agrostis sp.) verses a low-input fine fescue mixture (Festuca sp.). Results of this research provide guidance to golf course managers on selection of management practices that assure quality turf and minimize off-site transport of pesticides, improving environmental stewardship. Scientists and regulators also benefit with quantitative data for model scenarios and development of new management strategies and policies to safeguard water quality and improve water resource security.