Golf Course Superintendents
Historic Drought Has Courses Coming Up with Creative Solutions
T
he summer of 2014 finds California in the midst of a historic drought. The
U.S. Drought Monitor web- site classifies more than 76% of the state in an extreme to exceptional drought. By the time this article is published, mandatory water restrictions on agricultural, commercial and residential customers will be in effect in communities throughout Northern California. Golf courses, due to
their highly visible irrigation practices, have always been an easy target for restrictions and public criticism. In reality, golf courses account for less than 1% of total fresh water used in the state, and in most instances golf course superintendents have been well ahead of the curve when it comes to conservation and professional management of this valuable resource. With the drought putting
severe pressure on already depleted supplies, superinten- dents are carefully managing water usage and implementing conservation through the following practices: Replacing turf with drought-
tolerant landscaping: Superinten- dents determine which areas, such as those out of play or in rough, can be replaced with drought-tolerant plant materi- als and develop long-range landscape plans that cluster plantings according to their water needs. Soil and turf spe- cies are also vital considerations when deciding to replace turf. This is a great way for residen- tial customers to save water, as well. Check with your local water agency or municipality to see what rebates are available for your lawn. Determining optimal irriga-
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tion intervals: Superintendents must decide on proper irriga- tion amounts and irrigation
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intervals. Turf quality is better when watering is conducted frequently and lightly. This practice is known as deficit irrigation. Superintendents must consider the type of soil, species and ET rate for the best possible conserva- tion method, and use accurate timing methods to control the frequency and duration of water. ET is the process by which water leaves turf, either through evaporation from the soil or transpiration. The superintendent’s ultimate goal is to achieve the lowest ET rate possible in order to make the best use of available irrigation water. It is also important to find and fix leaks in the irrigation system quickly, and cap sprin- kler heads in non-priority watering areas. Weather monitoring:
Superintendents use sophisticated computerized
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irrigation systems and monitor the weather through on-site weather stations to make sure the course is watered appropri- ately, as it relates to the area’s current weather conditions. Using effluent water when
available: Effluent water (treated wastewater) has been used for irrigation purposes for more than 30 years in many areas of the southwestern United States. Turfgrass has the ability to use large quantities of organic waste that many other plants cannot tolerate. Effluent water costs less than potable water and many Northern California courses that have access to an effluent pipeline are using the source. Working proactively with local
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Courses such as Pasatiempo (pictured) and Poppy Hills are trying to conserve water by incorporating non-irrigated turf in areas which used to be full of lush, thick rough.
For more information, visit
gcsanc.com or follow @GCSANC on Twitter. 64 /
NCGA.ORG / SUMMER 2014
water agencies and municipalities: The golf industry has estab- lished water conservation task forces throughout the state. These task forces work with water agencies and munici- palities to address restrictions, develop conservation plans and assist in building long-term wa- ter policies that are effective for the golf industry, water agencies and California communities. This proactive dialogue can af- fect strategies that can only be achieved through deliberation, giving the golf industry the ability to deal with current and future circumstances whenever they arise. If you have any questions about the water management practices on the golf course where you play, or would like some tips on how you can con- serve water at your residence or business, contact your local golf course superintendent.
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By Jeff Jensen, Southwest regional representative of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
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