The Fate and Transport of Phosphorus in Turfgrass Ecosystems

Phosphorus losses from turfgrass areas are perceived to contribute to water quality problems, yet a comprehensive review of P fate in turfgrass ecosystems is lacking. According to available data in the literature, phosphorus fertilizer inputs (2–10 kg ha–1) slightly exceed the estimated outputs of phosphorus in clippings (0.4–7.5 kg ha–1). Sediment losses from turf areas are negligible, generally limited to establishment, but runoff and leaching losses of P vary from inconsequential to severe depending on rate, source, and timing of fertilizer application. Soil properties were found to have a larger effect on runoff volume than vegetative properties. Highest runoff and leaching losses of P occurred when rainfall occurred or was simulated shortly after P fertilizer application. Leaching losses of P have historically been considered relatively minor; however, the limited research results available indicate that annual P leaching losses from mineral soils (0.2–0.7 kg ha–1) are similar in magnitude to runoff-P losses from turfgrass systems. One major gap in the knowledge is how P sources other than fertilizer (i.e., soil and plant tissue) and irrigation affect runoff and leaching losses of P. D.J. Soldat, Dep. of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1225 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI 53706; A.M. Petrovic, Dep. of Horticulture, Cornell University, 27 Plant Science Bldg., Ithaca, NY 14853. Received 11 Mar. 2008. *Corresponding author ([email protected]). Abbreviations: BMPs, best management practices; DP, dissolved phosphorus; MRP, molybdate reactive phosphorus; TDP, total dissolved phosphorus; TP, total phosphorus; TSS, total suspended solids. Published in Crop Sci. 48:2051–2065 (2008). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2008.03.0134 © Crop Science Society of America 677 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher.