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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:49
Vegetated Treatment Systems for Removing Contaminants Associated with Surface Water Toxicity in Agriculture and Urban Runoff
Published on: May 15, 2017
Runoff water quality from turfgrass established using volume-based composted municipal biosolids applications
N E Hansen1, D M Vietor, C L Munster
1The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 1328 Dover Rd., Wooster, OH 44691, USA. hansen.209@osu.edu
Journal of Environmental Quality
|May 29, 2007
Summary
Incorporating composted municipal biosolids (CMB) into soil for turfgrass establishment reduced dissolved phosphorus (P) loss in runoff compared to using sod produced with CMB. On-site incorporation is a more effective practice for managing P runoff.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Horticulture
Background:
- Municipal programs often recommend high application rates of composted municipal biosolids (CMB) for turfgrass establishment.
- Understanding the impact of CMB application methods on water quality is crucial for sustainable turf management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare runoff water quality resulting from different turfgrass establishment practices using composted municipal biosolids (CMB).
- To evaluate the effect of CMB source and incorporation rate on phosphorus (P) loss in runoff.
Main Methods:
- Two CMB sources (Bryan- or Austin-) were incorporated into soil at 12.5% or 25% by volume on an 8.5% slope.
- Turfgrass was established using either sprigs with on-site CMB incorporation or transplanted sod produced with CMB.
- Runoff water was collected after eight natural rain events to analyze water quality parameters.
Main Results:
- Total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) concentration in runoff was highest from transplanted sod, especially in early rain events.
- TDP concentration in runoff was similar for both 12.5% and 25% CMB incorporation rates.
- On-site CMB incorporation resulted in lower dissolved P loss in runoff compared to using transplanted sod.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating CMB directly into the soil for turfgrass establishment is more effective in reducing dissolved phosphorus loss in runoff than using transplanted sod produced with CMB.
- Soil test phosphorus levels are positively correlated with dissolved P concentration and mass loss in runoff.
- Sustainable turfgrass establishment practices should consider the method of CMB application to minimize nutrient runoff.
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