Subsurface Lateral Solute Transport in Turfgrass

Turfgrass managers have suspected that runoff-independent movement of herbicides and fertilizers is partially responsible for uneven turfgrass quality in sloped areas. We hypothesized subsurface lateral solute transport might explain this phenomenon especially areas with abrupt textural changes between surface horizons. A study was conducted to track using bromide (Br−), a conservative tracer, as proxy soil inputs. Field data confirmed the Br− following slope direction, which advanced along boundary horizons over time. model based on field indicated mechanism can away from application area after they been incorporated within soil, those solutes could accumulate resurface downslope. Our results demonstrate solutes, commonly ignored risk assessment, be an important process off-target pesticides soils systems urban recreational landscapes.