Nutrient flux in storm water runoff and baseflow from managed turf

Environ Pollut. 2007 Dec;150(3):321-8. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.01.038. Epub 2007 Mar 26.

Abstract

The urban landscape is comprised of many land uses, none more intensively managed than turfgrass; however, quantification of nutrient losses from specific land uses within urban watersheds, specifically golf courses is limited. Nitrate (NO(3)-N) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) were measured on a golf course in Austin, TX, USA from April 1, 1998 to March 31, 2003. NO(3)-N and DRP concentrations measured in storm flow were significantly greater exiting the course compared to those entering the course. Significant differences were also measured in baseflow NO(3)-N concentrations. The measured loading from the course was 4.0kg NO(3)-Nha(-1)yr(-1) (11% of applied) and 0.66kg DRPha(-1)yr(-1) (8% of applied). The resulting concentrations contributed by the course were 1.2mgL(-1) NO(3)-N and 0.2mgL(-1) DRP. At these levels, NO(3)-N poses minimal environmental risk. However, the DRP concentration is twice the recommended level to guard against eutrophication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Fertilizers / analysis*
  • Golf*
  • Humans
  • Nitrates / analysis*
  • Phosphorus / analysis*
  • Poaceae / growth & development
  • Rain
  • Texas
  • Water Movements
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Fertilizers
  • Nitrates
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Phosphorus