A survey of turfgrass irrigation water quality in Pennsylvania

Surveys of irrigation water reveal important information about quality in different geographic regions and can serve as a reference to compare with individual samples submitted labs. This survey aimed establish baseline profile turfgrass from nonamended noneffluent sources Pennsylvania that be compared data other future surveys the Mid-Atlantic region, improve test report guidelines for The was conducted between fall 2007 spring 2019 included 190 samples. Samples were analyzed at Penn State's Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory (PSAASL) pH, alkalinity, hardness, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium absorption ratio, bicarbonate, carbonate, residual nitrate-N, ammonium-N, 13 elements. results showed acceptable according published guidelines, some exceptions, which high (and potentially problematic) values sodium, sulfur, but these represented ≤10% According results, most normal ranges upper limits parameters should similar those currently listed PSAASL reports. However, bicarbonate expanded account numerous (> 45%) exceeded maximum range limit nitrate-N lowered reports reflect concerns environmental health-related effects.