Fertilizer source effects on phosphate and nitrate leaching through simulated golf greens

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Agronomy

Background:

• Nutrient leaching from golf greens poses risks to surface and groundwater quality.
• High-porosity soils common in golf greens can exacerbate nutrient runoff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of eight different fertilizer sources on phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) leaching from simulated golf greens.
• To compare nutrient leaching between greenhouse and field lysimeter experiments.

Main Methods:

• Greenhouse and field lysimeter experiments were conducted using simulated golf greens.
• Eight distinct fertilizer sources were applied and their leachate analyzed for P and N content.

Main Results:

• Soluble 20-20-20 and 16-25-12 fertilizers resulted in the highest P concentrations in leachate, with 43% of applied P eluting.
• Controlled-release 13-13-13 and sulfur-coated urea showed the lowest nitrate-N cumulative mass.
• A greater percentage of applied P leached compared to applied N in both experimental setups.
• Field lysimeters exhibited lower P leaching amounts than greenhouse columns.

Conclusions:

• Fertilizer composition and release type critically influence P and N leaching dynamics.
• Careful selection of fertilizers is essential for mitigating nutrient pollution from golf courses.
• Differences in leaching observed between greenhouse and field conditions highlight the importance of environmental context.