Implementing a water conservation plan for Georgia golf course superintendents

Implementing a water conservation plan for Georgia

golf course superintendents

Clint Waltz, Ph.D.Extension Turfgrass Specialist

The University of Georgia

Questions?

With time answers may change, but the questions remain the same!

Questions? What is Georgia’s average annual rainfall? 45- to 70-inches per year

58-inches – good estimate

not evenly distributed

Questions? What is Georgia’s population? 8.3 million

increase by 1 million

4.3 million in Atlanta MSA 20 counties 52% of states residents - 2002 54% growth - 1990 to 2002

Questions? Where does Atlanta get its water? Chattahoochee River Basin

Drinking Water = 70% smallest watershed to

supply metropolitan city in the U.S.

Origin for 12 of 14watersheds

Questions?Why is this important? Taxing a static system

Public health Continued growth Natural resources Enhance quality of life

Questions?Currently, what is the most important environmental issue confronting the turfgrass industry? Water Conservation

Questions?Is turfgrass just a “quality of life” and aesthetics issue? Not at all

important environmental function sociological function safety function

Inappropriately considered as “nonessential”

Questions?Why use a BMPs approach? Prior success - Pesticide & nutrient fate

Science-based

Holistic / systems approach

Site-specific

Integrates new technology

Questions?Are Georgia’s GC superintendents working

toward implementing BMPs? Yes

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) DNR-EPD Develop BMPs for individual golf courses 75% of member golf clubs 3-years – May 14, 2007

Questions?What are the potential outcomes of the MOA? Alterations for outdoor water rules Flexibility to manage irrigation water Transcend into other areas of turfgrass Improved water conservation Demonstrate stewardship & good faith

Questions?Related to turfgrass, what are the tenets of BMPs for water conservation? Plant selection & adaptation

Turfgrass management

Irrigation adjustments based on the soil- plant-atmospheric system

Questions?What are some examples of specific BMPs?

Site assessment (grasses, soils, microclimates) Irrigation audit (uniformity & water alternatives) Proper cultural practices (agronomics) Irrigation guidance (ET, sensors) Improving rootzone Planning for future water needs Identify opportunities to reduce water use Continued education

Questions?How can the industry do more? Build awareness

Education Professionalism Stewardship Get involved

Questions?How does the turfgrass industry change its

image and accentuate the benefits? Communication Continued stewardship Continued education Sound science Best Management Practices (BMPs)

N. Ga. Turfgrass Field Day – May 24

UGA Turfgrass Field Day – August 15

GSPA Field Day – November 1

Turfgrass Institute – December 5 & 6

Important Dates in 2006

Thank You

VisitWWW.Georgiaturf.com

andWWW.Turfgrasswater.com