Illinois Best Mgmt Practices for Golf Courses.pdf

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement Additional Acknowledgement Introduction BMP Index Planning, Design and Construction Irrigation Surface Water Management Water Quality Monitoring and Management Nutrient Management Cultural Practices Integrated Pest Management Pesticide Management Pollinator Protection Maintenance Operations Landscape Energy References

Acknowledgement

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource — the golf course. Today, GCSAA and its members are recognized by the golf industry as one of the key contributors in elevating the game and business to its current state.

Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas, the association provides education, information and representation to more than 17,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.

Environmental Institute for Golf

The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) fosters sustainability by providing funding for research grants, education programs, scholarships and awareness of golf’s environmental efforts. Founded in 1955 as the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the EIFG serves as the association’s philanthropic organization. The EIFG relies on the support of many individuals and organizations to fund programs to advance stewardship on golf courses in the areas of research, scholarships, education, and advocacy. The results from these activities, conducted by GCSAA, are used to position golf courses as properly managed landscapes that contribute to the greater good of their communities. Supporters of the EIFG know they are fostering programs and initiatives that will benefit the game and its environment for years to come.

United States Golf Association

The United States Golf Association (USGA) provides governance for the game of golf, conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches, and celebrates the history of the game of golf. The USGA establishes equipment standards, administers the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status, maintains the USGA Handicap System and Course Rating System, and is one of the world’s foremost authorities on research, development and support of sustainable golf course management practices.

Acknowledgments

The GCSAA and EIFG wish to thank the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, faculty, Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, Dr. Travis Shaddox, Dr. Jason Kruse, and Mr. Don Rainey, who worked on this project, providing their knowledge and expertise to help the golf course industry; the USGA for their grant to fund this important project; the volunteers who served on the task group to review BMP and provide technical assistance; and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for permission to copy its publication, “Best Management Practices for the Enhancement of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses

Additional Acknowledgement

Illinois Golf Course Superintendent Associations

The coalition of Illinois Golf Course Superintendents Associations acknowledges and thanks Dr. Tom Voigt, Dr. Bruce Branham, Dr. Jesse Benelli and Dr. Samuel Indorante for their contribution and review of the BMP documents. The coalition consists of the Southern, Central, Northwest, Midwest and Chicagoland Associations of Golf Course Superintendents - all affiliated chapters of the GCSAA.

Our steering committee and those directly responsible for seeing this document to publication:

Donald Altman, CGCS, Forest Hills Country Club, Rockford Luke Cella, CGCS, Midwest and Chicagoland Associations, Lemont F. Dan Dinelli, CGCS, North Shore Country Club, Glenview Matt Dutkiewicz, Ingersoll Golf Course, Rockford Mark Kosbab, CGCS, Sportsman’s Country Club, Northbrook John Kueper, Southern Association, Carlyle Steve Leach, Gateway National Golf Links G. Andy Morris, Peoria Country Club, Peoria Alex Stuedemann, CGCS, TPC Deere Run, Silvas Jeff Szymonik, Pinecrest Golf Course, Huntley Greg Willman, Panther Creek Golf Club, Springfield

The committee would also like to thank individuals from the following entities who reviewed the draft version of this document and provided additional comment:

Illinois EPAIllinois DNR University of Illinois University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program Southern Illinois University Chicago District Golf Association IPM Institute of North America North Central IPM Center

USDA

Introduction

With the help of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the United States Golf Association and through a grant by the PGA of America, a coalition of golf course industry professionals produced this initial document that encompasses Best Management Practices for golf in Illinois. It is an exciting step forward for golf in Illinois as the documents explain in detail the care and attention golf course superintendents use when they actively manage their facilities. Many will be surprised by the knowledge and experience it takes to successfully manage a golf course in line with nature, for there is no other way to accomplish this feat.

Superintendents in Illinois know these BMPs will change over time as they adapt their practices as new procedures and processes are developed and put into practice. These BMPs are only a starting place for all to begin to understand what it takes to manage a golf course today.

We asked those instrumental in the development of the document to offer their perspective, need and meaning of the body of work completed:

I take great pride in being a part of the development of the Best Management Practices guide for the state of Illinois. The guide is an excellent way to communicate our industry’s commitment to environmental advocacy. - Steve Leach, Superintendent, Gateway National Golf Links, Madison.

When each facility shares their documented BMP's, they collectively demonstrate the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship. This is important when educating others who may not understand our profession. Environmental stewardship is an ongoing commitment in understanding the concerns, practices and resources utilized when managing open green space such as golf courses. – Dan Dinelli, CGCS, North Shore Country Club, Glenview.

Superintendents are showing their commitment to water conservation and environmental stewardship by being proactive and establishing the Best Management Practices for Illinois regarding golf course water conservation and quality. With increasing regulations and restrictions, it is important that Golf Course Superintendents take a leading role in communicating and demonstrating to legislators the commitment and sustainable practices required to conserve and protect our water resources. These BMP’s provide that information. - Andrew Morris, Superintendent, Peoria Country Club, Peoria.

On behalf of the Southern Illinois GCSA I would like to thank all of those who devoted their time and effort in drafting the BMP Initiative for the State of Illinois. It was truly a collaborative effort of all allied associations in setting forth a template to advance the art and science of golf course management in providing environmental protection and benefits. – John Kueper, SIGCSA Executive Director, Carlyle.

Advocacy is about supporting a cause or issue that is important to you, it’s about having your voice heard by those who make the decisions. Whether it’s one person speaking for all or a large group speaking as one, having a voice is the only way to affect change or ensure relevancy. In a world that is in a constant state of flux, with decisions, regulations and laws sometimes passed on emotion and not fact, one of the most important things we can do as turf professionals is have a voice in the conversation. -Matt Dutkiewicz, Superintendent, Ingersoll Golf Course, Rockford.

As proactive stewards of the land, Golf Course Superintendents strive to be at the forefront of the environments they manage not only for the betterment of golf courses, but also to the benefit and enrichment of the communities in which they live. Through their tireless efforts to place our ecosystem paramount to all other influences, Golf Course Superintendents and their teams are dedicated to being leaders for all who contribute to the preservation of our planet. - Alex Stuedemann, CGCS, TPC Deere Run, Silvas.

The BMPs laid out here are a testimonial to the passion and leadership that my fellow superintendents bring to the table as stewards of their respective properties, communities and environment. It has been a pleasure to work alongside so many great people who have the same goal in mind. Environmental stewardship. The collaboration of golf courses and state agencies will lay the groundwork to protect and conserve in all areas of golf and grounds management. Whether we are considering the daily setup for members and guests, planning for major projects and renovations or simply providing a safe and effective work area for our employees, we do so in an attempt to achieve long term sustainability. - Mark Kosbab, CGCS, Sportsman's Country Club, Northbrook

Our industry has flourished because of the ability to adapt our practices to the most current information available today. Superintendents are always searching for answers, for better ways of doing things, to make things better. We look forward to growing our knowledge base and sharing it with the community through these BMPs.

BMP Index

Planning, Design and Construction Regulatory Issues Planning Design Construction Grow-in Erosion and Sediment Control Wetlands Drainage Surface Water: Stormwater, Ponds, Lakes Maintenance Facilities External Certification Programs Wildlife Considerations

Irrigation Water Management Approaches Regulatory Considerations Irrigation Water Suitability Water Conservation and Efficient Use Planning Irrigation System Design Irrigation Pumping System Irrigation System Program and Scheduling Turf Drought Response Irrigation System Quality Pond Location and Design Pond Use and Maintenance Pond Water-Level Monitor Metering Irrigation Leak Detection Sprinkler Maintenance System Maintenance Winterization and Spring Sensor Technology Maintained Turf Areas Non-Play and Landscape Areas Wellhead Protection

Surface Water Management Overview Regulatory Considerations Water Quality Protection Dissolved Oxygen Aquatic Plants Human Health Concerns Floodplain Restoration Stormwater, Ponds, and Lakes

Water Quality Monitoring and Management Regulatory Considerations Site Analysis Water Quality Sampling Program Sampling Parameters, Collection, and Analysis Buffer Zones Wetland Protection Stormwater Management Sediment Sodic/Saline Conditions

Nutrient Management Overview Soil Testing Plant Tissue Analysis Fertilizers Used in Golf Course Management Soil pH Nutrient Management

Cultural Practices Overview Cultivation Shade and Tree Management

Integrated Pest Management Principles Regulatory Considerations Written Plan Pest Thresholds Monitoring Record Keeping Turfgrass Selection Biological Controls Pollinators Conventional Pesticides Disease Weeds Nematodes

Pesticide Management Overview Human Health Risks Personal Protective Equipment Environmental Fate and Transport Inventory Pesticide Transportation, Storage, and Handling Pesticide Container Management Mixing/Washing Station Emergency Preparedness and Spill Response Pesticide Record Keeping

Sprayer Calibration Shelf Life Leaching Potentials Disposal

Pollinator Protection Overview Pollinator Habitat Protection

Maintenance Operations Regulatory Considerations Storage and Handling of Chemicals Equipment Storage and Maintenance Waste Handling Equipment Washing Fueling Facilities Pollution Prevention

Landscape Overview Design and Function Planting Methods

Energy Overview Evaluation Efficiency Design and Renovation Implementation Plan Infrastructure Alternative Products, Operations, and Practices Course Management Plan Irrigation

Planning, Design and Construction

Regulatory Issues

The construction phase of any industry’s infrastructure poses the greatest risk of ecosystem alteration. With proper planning and design, golf facilities can be constructed and maintained with minimal impact to existing wildlife and their habitat. Furthermore, facilities should be designed and constructed to maximize energy efficiency.

Local and state regulations may be in place in your location. Early engagement among developers, designers, local community groups, and permitting agencies is essential to designing and constructing a golf facility that minimizes environmental impact and meets the approval process.

Planning

Principles

Proper planning will minimize expenses resulting from unforeseen construction requirements. Good planning provides opportunities to maximize/integrate environmentally favorable characteristics into the property. This often requires the involvement of golf course architects, golf course superintendents, civil engineers, soil scientists, agronomists, irrigation designers, ecologists, etc.

Best Management Practices

Assemble a qualified team o Golf course architect o Golf course superintendent o Clubhouse architect o Irrigation engineer o Environmental engineer o Energy analyst o Economic consultant o Civil engineer o Soil scientist o Geologist o Golf course builder o Legal team

Determine objectives Complete a feasibility study o Are needs feasible given existing resources?

o Financial o Environmental o Water o Energy o Labor o Materials o Governmental regulatory requirements/restrictions

Select an appropriate site that is capable of achieving the needs of stakeholders.

Identify strengths and weakness of the selected site.

Identify any rare, protected, endangered, or threatened plant or animal species on the site.

Design

Principles

Proper design will meet the needs of the stakeholders, protect the locations environmental resources, and be economically sustainable.

Best Management Practices

Retain a qualified golf course superintendent/project manager at the beginning of the design and construction process to integrate sustainable maintenance practices in the development, maintenance, and operation of the course.

Design the course to minimize the need to alter or remove preexisting desireable landscapes. The routing should identify the areas that provide opportunities for restoration.

Design the course to retain as much natural vegetation as possible. Where appropriate, consider enhancing existing vegetation through the supplemental planting of native vegetation/materials next to long fairways, out-of-play areas, and along water sources supporting fish and other water-dependent species.

Maximize and design out-of-play areas to retain or restore existing native vegetation where possible. Nuisance, invasive, and exotic plants should be removed and replaced with native species that are adapted to that particular site.

Greens o Select a location that has adequate sunlight to meet plant specific needs and provides sufficient drainage.

o Select a turf species/variety that meets the needs of the stakeholders while adhering to the principle of “right plant, right place.”

o Choose a green size and sufficient number of hole locations that is large enough to accommodate traffic and play damage, but not so large that it is not sustainable with your resources.

o Select an appropriate root-zone material as designated by the USGA.

o Consider the number of bunkers as it relates to resources available for daily maintenance.

o Greens should be irrigated separately from surrounding turf.

Plant only certified turfgrass.

Decide whether bunkers will contain drainage.

Consider bunker entry and exit points. Consider wear patterns and create adequate space for ingress/egress points on greens, tees, fairways, and bunkers.

Select the proper color, size, and shape of bunker sand that meets resources and expectations.

Define play and non-play maintenance boundaries.

Construction

Principles

Construction should be completed with care to minimize environmental impact and financial ramifications caused by poor construction techniques.

Best Management Practices

Conduct a pre-construction conference with stakeholders.

Construction should be scheduled to maximize turfgrass establishment and site drainage.

Use environmentally sound construction techniques.

Use soil stabilization techniques to minimize soil erosion and maximize sediment containment.

Maintain a construction progress report and communicate the report to the proper permitting agencies.

Use only qualified contractors who are experienced in the special requirements of golf course construction.

Schedule construction and turf establishment to allow for the most efficient progress of the work, while optimizing environmental conservation and resource management.

Temporary construction compounds should be built in a way that minimizes environmental impacts.

Grow-in

Principles

Turfgrass establishment is a unique phase in turfgrass growth, which can require greater quantities of water and nutrients than established turfgrasses. To this end, the establishment phase should be considered carefully to minimize environmental risk.

Best Management Practices

The area to be established should be properly prepared and cleared of pests (weeds, pathogens, etc.).

Ensure erosion and sediment control devices are in place and properly maintained.

Sprigs should be “knifed-in” and rolled to hasten root establishment.

Sod should be topdressed to fill in the gaps between sod pieces. This hastens establishment and provides a smoother surface.

Use appropriate seeding methods for your conditions. When using sod, nutrient applications should be delayed until sod has sufficiently rooted.

When using sprigs, application rates for nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium should correspond to percent ground cover (i.e., increasing rate as ground coverage increases.)

Slow-release nitrogen or light, frequent soluble-nitrogen sources should be used during grow-in.

Nutrients should be applied — in either foliar or granular formulations — to the turf surface. Incorporating nutrients into the root zone does not result in more rapid establishment and increases environmental risk.

Mow as soon as the sod has knitted-down, when sprigs have rooted at the second to third internode, and seedlings have reached a height of one-third greater than intended height-of-cut. This will hasten establishment.

Erosion and Sediment Control

Principles

Soil carried by wind and water erosion transports contaminants with it.

Contaminants can dislodge, especially on entering water bodies, where they can cause pollution.

Erosion and sediment control is a critical component of construction and grow-in of a golf course.

Best Management Practices

Develop a working knowledge of erosion and sediment control management.

Each state has its own specifications including types of acceptable structures, materials, and design features.

Develop and implement strategies to effectively control sediment, minimize the loss of topsoil, protect water resources, and reduce disruption to wildlife, plant species, and designed environmental resource areas.

Use mulch in erosion prone areas during turf establishment.

Hydro-seeding or hydro-mulching offer soil stabilization.

Wetlands

Principles

Most states consider wetlands as “waters of the state,” a designation that carries significant legal ramifications. Furthermore, permitting requirements for wetlands can have multiple overlapping jurisdictions of federal, state, and local agencies.

At the federal level alone, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and maritime agencies may all be involved.

Wetlands act both as filters for pollutant removal and as nurseries for many species of birds, insects, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The biological activity of plants, fish, animals, insects, and especially bacteria and fungi in a healthy, diverse wetland is the recycling factory of our ecosystem.

When incorporated into a golf course design, wetlands should be maintained as preserves and separated from managed turf areas with native vegetation or structural buffers. Constructed or disturbed wetlands may need to be permitted to be an integral part of the stormwater management system.

Best Management Practices

Ensure that proper permitting has been obtained before working on any wetlands.

Ensure that wetlands have been properly delineated before working in and around any wetlands.

Drainage

Adequate drainage is necessary for growing healthy grass.

A high-quality BMP plan for drainage addresses the containment of runoff, adequate buffer zones, and filtration techniques in the design and construction process to achieve acceptable water quality.

Drainage of the golf course features is only as good as the system’s integrity.

Damaged, improperly installed, or poorly maintained drainage systems will result in inferior performance that negatively impacts play and increases risks to water quality.

Best Management Practices

When constructing drainage systems, pay close attention to engineering details such as subsoil preparation, the placement of gravel, slopes, and backfilling.

Internal golf course drains should not drain directly into an open waterbody, but should discharge through pretreatment zones and/or vegetative buffers to help remove nutrients and sediments.

Drainage should discharge through proper drainage and stormwater management devices, for example, vegetative buffers, swales, etc.

The drainage system should be routinely inspected to ensure proper function.

Surface Water: Stormwater, Ponds, Lakes

Principles

Stormwater is the conveying force behind nonpoint source pollution.

Controlling stormwater on a golf course is more than preventing the flooding of facilities and play areas. In addition to controlling the amount and rate of water leaving the course, stormwater control also involves storing irrigation water, controlling erosion and sediment, enhancing wildlife habitat, removing waterborne pollutants, and addressing aesthetic and playability concerns. Keep in mind that not all stormwater on a golf course originates there; some may be from adjoining lands, including residential or commercial developments.

Best Management Practices

Stormwater treatment is best accomplished by a “treatment train” approach, in which water is conveyed from one treatment to another by conveyances that themselves contribute to the treatment.

Eliminate or minimize as much directly connected impervious area (DCIA) as possible.

Use vegetated swales to slow and infiltrate water and trap pollutants in the soil, where they can be naturally destroyed by soil organisms.

Use depressed landscape islands in parking lots to catch, filter, and infiltrate water, instead of letting it run off. When hard rains occur, an elevated stormwater drain inlet allows the island to hold the treatment volume and settle out sediments, while allowing the overflow to drain away.

Maximize the use of pervious pavements, such as brick or concrete pavers separated by sand and planted with grass. Special high-permeability concrete is available for cart paths or parking lots.

Disconnect runoff from gutters and roof drains from impervious areas, so that it flows onto permeable areas that allow the water to infiltrate near the point of generation.

Maintenance Facilities

Principles

The maintenance facilities must incorporate BMP to minimize the potential for contamination of soil and water resources. The pesticide mixing and storage facility, the equipment wash pad, and the fuel center are focal points.

Design and build pesticide storage structures to keep pesticides secure and isolated from the surrounding environment.

Store pesticides in a roofed concrete or metal structure with a lockable door.

Construct floors of seamless metal or concrete sealed with a chemical-resistant paint.

Ensure that flow from floor drains does not discharge directly to the ground and that drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer line or septic system.

Equip the floor with a continuous curb to retain spilled materials.

Do not store pesticides near burning materials or hot work (welding, grinding), or in shop areas.

Provide storage for personal protective equipment (PPE) where it is easily accessible in the event of an emergency, but do not store in the pesticide storage area.

Provide adequate space and shelving to segregate herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Use shelving made of plastic or reinforced metal. Keep metal shelving painted.

Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation and an emergency wash area.

Always place dry materials above liquids, never liquids above dry materials.

Never place liquids above eye level.

Locate operations well away from groundwater wells and areas where runoff may carry spilled pesticides into surface waterbodies.

Do not build new facilities on potentially contaminated sites.

An open building must have a roof with a substantial overhang (minimum 30° from vertical, 45° recommended) on all sides.

In constructing a concrete mixing and loading pad, it is critical that the concrete have a water-to-cement ratio no higher than 0.45:1 by weight.

The sump should be small and easily accessible for cleaning.

Ensure that workers always use all personal protective equipment as required by the pesticide label and are provided appropriate training.

Assess the level of training and supervision required by staff.

Any material that collects on the pad must be applied as a pesticide according to the label or disposed of as a (potentially hazardous) waste according to state laws and regulations.

Clean up spills immediately!

Always store nitrogen-based fertilizers separately from solvents, fuels, and pesticides, since many fertilizers are oxidants and can accelerate a fire. Ideally, fertilizer should be stored in a concrete building with a metal or other type of flame-resistant roof.

Always store fertilizers in an area that is protected from rainfall. The storage of dry bulk materials on a concrete or asphalt pad may be acceptable if the pad is adequately protected from rainfall and from water flowing across the pad.

Sweep up any spilled fertilizer immediately.

Do not wash equipment unnecessarily.

Clean equipment over an impervious area, and keep it swept clean.

Brush or blow equipment with compressed air before, or instead of, washing.

Use spring shutoff nozzles.

Use a closed-loop recycling system for wash water.

Recycle system filters and sludge should be treated and disposed appropriately.

Each piece of equipment should have an assigned parking area. This allows oil or other fluid leaks to be easily spotted and attributed to a specific machine so that it can be repaired.

Use solvent-recycling machines or water-based cleaning machines to cut down on the use of flammable and/or toxic solvents.

Use a service to remove the old solvents and dispose of them properly.

Design pesticide storage to keep pesticides secure and isolated from the environment.

External Certification Programs

Principles

Golf-centric environmental management programs or environmental management systems can help golf courses protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game.

These programs help people enhance the natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf course operations.

Golf courses can gain valuable recognition for their environmental education and certification efforts.

Best Management Practices

Obtain and review materials to ascertain whether the facility should seek certification.

Work with staff to establish facility goals that lead to certification.

Establish goals to educate members about the certification program.

Wildlife Considerations

Golf courses occupy large land areas, generally in urban areas, providing critical links between urban and rural/natural environments.

Maintaining wildlife habitat on golf courses better maintains biological diversity, which is especially important in the urban environment.

Most golfers enjoy observing non-threatening wildlife as they play the game.

Best Management Practices

Identify the different types of habitat specific to the site.

Identify the habitat requirements (food, water, cover, space) for identified wildlife species.

Identify species on the site that are considered threatened or endangered by the federal or state government, including species the state deems “of special concern.” Please consult: Illinois Department of Natural Resoucres for the most current list.

Preserve critical habitat.

Identify and preserve regional wildlife and migration corridors.

Design and locate cart paths to minimize environmental impacts. Construct the paths of permeable materials, if possible.

Avoid or minimize crossings of wildlife corridors. Design unavoidable crossings to accommodate wildlife movement.

Remove nuisance and exotic/invasive plants and replace them with native species that are adapted to a particular site.

Maintain clearance between the ground and the lowest portion of a fence or wall to allow wildlife to pass, except in areas where feral animals need to be excluded.

Retain dead tree snags for nesting and feeding sites, provided they pose no danger to people or property.

Construct and place birdhouses, bat houses, and nesting sites in out-of-play areas.

Plant butterfly gardens around the clubhouse and out-of-play areas.

Retain riparian buffers along waterways to protect water quality and provide food, nesting sites, and cover for wildlife.

Minimize stream or river crossings to protect water quality and preserve stream banks.

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/programs/EcoCAT/Pages/default.aspx

Irrigation

Water Management Approaches

The supplemental use of water for course play and non-play areas is essential to supporting healthy turfgrass and landscape plant health. It is also necessary to sustain optimal course playability, aesthetics, marketability, and club membership participation.

The purpose of this section is to identify best management practices related to water use that conserve and protect water resources. It is important to keep in mind that, while new technology makes many tasks easier or less labor-intensive, the principles discussed in this section are important to understand and apply to protect water quality and quantity and surrounding natural resources.

Additionally, irrigation BMP may provide economic, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship advantage to those who consider them part of their irrigation management plan. BMP are not intended to increase labor or place an undue burden on the owner/superintendent. If applied appropriately, BMP can help stabilize labor cost, extend equipment life, and limit repair and overall personal and public liability.

The monetary investment is non-structural; BMP costs little to nothing to implement in a daily course water-use plan. Other advantages to using BMP include: reduced administrative management stress, improved employee communication and direction, and effective facilities training procedures.

Several benefits of adopting BMP are:

Conserving the water supply

Protecting existing water quality Maintaining optimal ball roll and playing conditions Saving water and electricity Increasing pump and equipment life longevity Demonstrating responsible environmental stewardship Retaining knowledgeable and effective employees

Conservation and Efficiency

Conservation and efficiency considers the strategic use of appropriate course and irrigation design, plant selection, computerized and data-integrated scheduling, and alternative water quality/supply options that maximize plant health benefits and reduce the potential for negative impacts on natural resources.

Resource Protection

Resource protection is an integrated approach that includes irrigation practices as part of the course design, pesticide and nutrient practices, and regulatory compliance measures and structural measures as they concern environmental stewardship and policy.

Regulatory Considerations

Principles

Golf course owners are responsible for contacting federal, state, and local water use authorities at the pre-and post-construction phase to determine annual or specific water consumption (water rights), permitting guidelines, and other requirements allowed by regulators.

Superintendents have a responsibility to adhere to water-quality standard rules regarding groundwater and surface water flows resulting from the removal of water for irrigation use.

Best Management Practices

Design and/or maintain a system to meet site’s peak water requirements under normal conditions and also be flexible enough to adapt to various water demands and local restrictions.

Develop an annual water budget for the golf course.

Look for ways to increase efficiency and reduce energy use associated with irrigation systems and practices.

Demonstrate good stewardship practices by supplementing watering only for the establishment of new planting and new sod, hand watering of critical hot spots, and watering-in of chemicals and fertilizers (if permissible).

Protect aquatic life and impairment of water systems by adhering to state and local water withdrawal allocations (gallons/day).

Design an irrigation system that delivers water with maximum efficiency.

Irrigation Water Suitability

Principles

Golf course designers and managers should endeavor to identify and use alternative supply sources to conserve freshwater drinking supplies, promote plant health, and protect the environment.

The routine use of potable water supply is not a preferred practice; therefore, municipal drinking water should be considered only when there is no alternative.

Studies of water supplies are recommended for irrigation systems, as are studies of waterbodies or flows on, near, and under the property. These maybe helpful to properly design a course’s stormwater systems, water features, and to protect water resources.

When necessary, sodic water system treatment options should be included in the budget to address water quality and equipment maintenance.

Best Management Practices

Use alternative water supplies/sources that are appropriate and sufficiently available to supplement water needs.

Use salt-tolerant varieties of turf and plants to mitigate saline conditions resulting from an alternative water supply or source, if necessary.

Amend sodic water systems appropriately (with gypsum or an appropriate ion) to minimize sodium buildup in soil.

Flush with freshwater or use amending materials regularly to move salts out of the root zone and/or pump brackish water to keep salts moving out of the root zone.

Monitor sodium and bicarbonate buildup in the soil using salinity sensors.

Routinely monitor shallow groundwater table of freshwater for saltwater intrusion or contamination of heavy metals and nutrients.

Reclaimed, effluent, and other non-potable water supply mains must have a thorough cross-connection and backflow prevention device in place and operating correctly.

Post signage in accordance with local utility and state requirements when reclaimed water is in use.

Account for the nutrients in effluent (reuse/reclaimed) water when making fertilizer calculations.

Monitor reclaimed water tests regularly for dissolved salt content.

Where practical, use reverse-osmosis filtration systems to reduce chlorides

(salts) from saline groundwater.

Monitor the quantity of water withdrawn to avoid aquatic life impairment.

Identify appropriate water supply sources that meet seasonal and bulk water allocations for grow-in and routine maintenance needs.

Water Conservation and Efficient Use Planning

Document actual watering practices, especially to show savings in water use over averages. Communication should be maintained with water managers, golf course members, and the public to explain what you are doing and why.

Potable water supplies in many areas of the United States are limited, and demand continues to grow. Our challenge is to find solutions to maintain the quality of golf while using less water.

BMP and educational programs are necessary to change the public’s mind-set toward the inevitable changes in water-related issues.

Some courses are being designed using a “target golf” concept that minimizes the acreage of irrigated turf. Existing golf courses can make an effort to convert out-of-play areas turf to naturally adapted native plants, grasses, or ground covers to reduce water use and augment the site’s aesthetic appeal.

Best Management Practices

Selecting drought-tolerant varieties of turfgrasses can help maintain an attractive and high-quality playing surface, while minimizing water use.

Non-play areas may be planted with drought-resistant native or other well-adapted, noninvasive plants that provide an attractive and low-maintenance landscape.

Native plant species are important in providing wildlife with habitat and food sources. After establishment, site-appropriate plants normally require little to no irrigation.

The system should be operated to provide only the water that is actually needed by the plants, or to meet occasional special needs such as salt removal.

If properly designed, rain and runoff captured in water hazards and stormwater ponds may provide supplemental water under normal conditions, though backup sources may be needed during severe drought.

During a drought, closely monitor soil moisture levels. Whenever practicable, irrigate at times when the least amount of evaporative loss will occur.

Control invasive plants or plants that use excessive water.

Use a certified Irrigation Auditor to evaluate system efficiency when needed.

Irrigation System Design

Principles

A well designed irrigation system should operate at peak efficiency to reduce energy, labor and natural resources.

Irrigation systems should be properly designed and installed to improve water use efficiency.

An efficient irrigation system maximizes water use, reduces operational cost, conserves supply and protects water resources.

Best Management Practices

Design should account for optimal distribution efficiency and effective root-zone moisture coverage. Target 80% or better Distribution Uniformity (DU).

Design should allow the putting surface and slopes and surrounds to be watered independently.

The design package should include a general irrigation schedule with recommendations and instructions on modifying the schedule for local climatic soil and growing conditions. It should include the base ET rate for the particular location.

The application rate must not exceed the infiltration rate, ability of the soil to absorb and retain the water applied during any one application. Conduct saturated hydraulic conductivity tests periodically.

The design operating pressure must not be greater than the available source pressure.

The design operating pressure must account for peak-use times and supply line pressures at final buildout for the entire system.

The system should be flexible enough to meet a site’s peak water requirements and allow for operating modifications to meet seasonal irrigation changes or local restrictions.

Turf and landscape areas should be zoned separately. Specific use areas zoned separately; greens, tees, primary roughs, secondary roughs, fairways, native, trees, shrubs, etc.

Design should account for the need to leach out salt buildup from poor-quality water sources by providing access to freshwater.

Only qualified specialists should install the irrigation system.

Construction must be consistent with the design.

The designer must approve any design changes before construction.

Construction and materials must meet existing standards and criteria.

Prior to construction, all underground cables, pipes, and other obstacles must be identified and their locations flagged.

Permanent irrigation sprinklers and other distribution devices should be spaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Space should be based on average wind conditions during irrigation.

For variable wind directions, triangular spacing is more uniform than square spacing.

Distribution devices and pipe sizes should be designed for optimal uniform coverage.

The first and last distribution device should have no more than a 10% difference in flow rate. This usually corresponds to about a 20% difference in pressure.

Distribution equipment (such as sprinklers, rotors, and micro-irrigation devices) in a given zone must have the same precipitation rate.

Heads for turf areas should be spaced for head-to-head coverage.

Water supply systems (for example, wells, and pipelines) should be designed for varying control devices, rain shutoff devices, and backflow prevention.

Water conveyance systems should be designed with thrust blocks and air-release valves.

Flow velocity must be 5 feet per second or less.

Pipelines should be designed to provide the system with the appropriate pressure required for maximum irrigation uniformity.

Pressure-regulating or compensating equipment must be used where the system pressure exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Equipment with check valves must be used in low areas to prevent low head drainage.

Isolation valves should be installed in a manner that allows critical areas to remain functional.

Manual quick-coupler valves should be installed near greens, tees, and bunkers so these can be hand-watered during severe droughts.

Install part-circle heads along lakes, ponds, and wetlands margins.

Use part-circle or adjustable heads to avoid overspray of impervious areas such as roadways and sidewalks.

Update multi-row sprinklers with single head control to conserve water and to enhance efficiency.

Incorporate multiple nozzle configurations to add flexibility and enhance efficiency/distribution.

Ensure heads are set at level ground and not on slopes.

Irrigation Pumping System

Principles

Pump stations should be sized to provide adequate flow and pressure. They should be equipped with control systems that protect distribution piping, provide for emergency shutdown necessitated by line breaks, and allow maximum system scheduling flexibility.

Variable frequency drive (VFD) pumping systems should be considered if dramatically variable flow rates are required, if electrical transients (such spikes and surges) are infrequent, and if the superintendent has access to qualified technical support.

Design pumping systems for energy conservation.

Best Management Practices

The design operating pressure must not be greater than the available source pressure.

The design operating pressure must account for peak-use times and supply-line pressures at final buildout for the entire system.

Maintain the air-relief and vacuum-breaker valves by using hydraulic-pressure-sustaining values.

Install VFD systems to lengthen the life of older pipes and fittings until the golf course can afford a new irrigation system.

An irrigation system should also have high- and low-pressure sensors that shut down the system in case of breaks and malfunctions.

Pumps should be sized to provide adequate flow and pressure.

Pumps should be equipped with control systems to protect distribution piping.

System checks and routine maintenance on pumps, valves, programs, fittings, and sprinklers should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Monitor pumping station power consumption.

Monthly bills should be monitored over time to detect a possible increase in power usage.

Compare the power used with the amount of water pumped. Requiring more power to pump the same amount of water may indicate a problem with the pump motor(s), control valves, or distribution system.

Quarterly checks of amperage by qualified pump personnel may more accurately indicate increased power usage and thus potential problems.

Irrigation System Program and Scheduling

Irrigation scheduling must take plant water requirements and soil intake capacity into account to prevent excess water use that could lead to leaching and runoff.

Plant water needs are determined by evapotranspiration (ET) rates, recent rainfall, recent temperature extremes and soil moisture.

Irrigation should not occur on a calendar-based schedule, but should be based on ET rates and soil moisture replacement.

An irrigation system should be operated based only on the moisture needs of the turfgrass, or to water-in a fertilizer or chemical application as directed by the label.

Responsible irrigation management conserves water, reduces nutrient and pesticide movement.

Time-clock-controlled irrigation systems preceded computer-controlled systems, and many are still in use today. Electric/mechanical time clocks cannot automatically adjust for changing ET rates. Frequent adjustment is necessary to compensate for the needs of individual turfgrass areas.

Best Management Practices

The reliability of older clock-control station timing depends on the calibration of the timing devices; this should be done periodically, but at least seasonally.

An irrigation system should have rain sensors to shut off the system after a pre-determined amount of rain is received. Computerized systems allow a superintendent to remotely cancel or adjust the program during or after a rainfall event.

Install control devices to allow for maximum system scheduling flexibility.

Generally, granular fertilizer applications should receive 0.25 inch of irrigation to move the particles off the leaves while minimizing runoff.

Irrigation quantities should not exceed the available moisture storage in the root zone.

Irrigation rates should not exceed the maximum ability of the soil to absorb and hold the water applied at any one time.

Irrigation schedule should coincide with other cultural practices (for example, the application of nutrients, herbicides, or other chemicals).

Account for nutrients in effluent supply when making fertilizer calculations.

Irrigation should occur in the early morning hours before air temperatures rise and relative humidity drops.

Base plant water needs should be determined by ET rates, recent rainfall, recent temperature extremes, and soil moisture.

Use mowing, verticutting, aeration, nutrition, and other cultural practices to control water loss and to encourage conservation and efficiency.

Visually monitor for localized dry conditions or hot spots to identify poor irrigation efficiency or a failed system device.

Use predictive models to estimate soil moisture and the best time to irrigate.

Avoid use of a global setting; make adjustments to watering times per head.

Base water times on actual site conditions for each head and zone.

Adjust irrigation run times based on current local meteorological data.

Use computed daily ET rate to adjust run times to meet the turf’s moisture needs.

Manually adjust automated ET data to reflect wet and dry areas on the course.

Use soil moisture sensors to assist in scheduling or to create on-demand irrigation schedules.

Use multiple soil moisture sensors to reflect soil moisture levels.

Install soil moisture sensors in the root zone for each irrigation zone to enhance scheduled timer-based run times.

Place soil moisture sensors in a representative location within the irrigation zone.

Install a soil moisture sensor in the driest irrigation zone of the irrigation system.

Wired soil moisture systems should be installed to prevent damage from aerification.

Periodically perform catch-can uniformity tests.

Reducing dry spots and soil compaction improves water infiltration, which in turn reduces water use and runoff in other areas.

Install emergency shutdown devices to address line breaks

Turf Drought Response

The presence of visual symptoms of moisture stress is a simple way to determine when irrigation is needed.

Use a soil moisture meter to determine moisture needs of greens and tees.

Managers of golf greens cannot afford to wait until symptoms occur, because unacceptable turf quality may result.

Be prepared for extended drought/restrictions by developing a written drought management plan.

Best Management Practices

Waiting until visual symptoms appear before irrigating is a method best used for low-maintenance areas, such as golf course roughs and, possibly, fairways.

Use soil moisture meters to determine moisture thresholds and plant needs.

Irrigating too shallowly encourages shallow rooting, increases soil compaction, and favors pest outbreaks.

For golf greens and tees, the majority of roots are in the top several inches of soil.

For fairways and roughs, use infrequent, deep irrigation to supply sufficient water for plants and to encourage deep rooting.

Proper cultural practices such as mowing height, irrigation frequency, and irrigation amounts should be employed to promote healthy, deep root development and reduce irrigation requirements.

Create a drought management plan for the facility that identifies steps to be taken to reduce irrigation/water use and protects critical areas, etc.

Use appropriate turfgrass species adapted to the location of the golf course being managed.

Irrigation System Quality

Principles

Irrigation system maintenance on a golf course involves four major efforts:

calibration or auditing, preventive maintenance (PM), corrective maintenance, and recordkeeping.

Personnel charged with maintaining any golf course irrigation system face numerous challenges. This is particularly true for courses with older or outdated equipment.

Good system management starts with good preventive maintenance (PM) procedures and recordkeeping. Maintaining a system is more than just fixing heads.

Corrective maintenance is simply the act of fixing what is broken. It may be as simple as cleaning a clogged orifice, or as complex as a complete renovation of the irrigation system.

As maintenance costs increase, the question of whether to renovate arises.

Renovating a golf course…