Cyclic irrigation of turfgrass using a shallow saline aquifer

Utilization of poor quality waters in the urban landscape has the potential of saving large quantities of good quality water for higher priority uses. Bernudagrass in particular is well suited to be irrigated with poorer quality water. A two-year field study was conducted to determine the long-term effects of applying shallow saline aquifer water to two turfgrass sports fields. The water (0.69-- 3.4 dSm-1) was applied using cyclic irrigation during peak demand months (May--Oct). Treatments consisted of cycling saline water through the existing irrigation systems. Saline substitution of fresh water was set at 1, 2, 3 and 4 times per 7 freshwater irrigation events. Irrigations were applied using an ET feedback system and imposing a leaching fraction of 0.15. Turf color and cover, canopy temperature, bulk soil conductivity, soil moisture, leaf water potential, tissue moisture content and stomatal conductance were monitored on a bimonthly basis during the peak demand months. All plots except for control, were instrumented with tensiometers and salinity sensors. Soil samples (2430 total samples at the University and 1530 total samples at the high school site) were taken yearly from each plot in a 5 x 5 grid fashion and analyzed for soluble salts. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)