Advances in irrigation and water management of turfgrass

Publication date: 23/01/2023
Extent: 40 pages

Contributions by: Marco Schiavon, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, USA; and Matteo Serena, United States Golf Association, USA

Chapter synopsis:

Turfgrass is the single largest irrigated crop in the continental United States, however urban growth potential, potable water scarcity, limited annual precipitation, prolonged droughts, and food crops prioritization sets limits to the availability of water that can be allocated to turfgrass areas. For these reasons, research has been focused extensively on water conservation efforts for turfgrasses in recent years. Aside from the use of warm-season turf species where possible, several potable water conservation strategies have been proposed and investigated in recent years. In this chapter we will focus on: estimating turfgrass water needs, sprinkler irrigation system advances, subsurface drip irrigation, alternatives to potable water, management practices, use of plant growth regulators, and soil surfactants.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0110.05