Implementing a water conservation plan for Georgia
golf course superintendents
Clint Waltz, Ph.D.Extension Turfgrass Specialist
The University of Georgia
Questions?
With time answers may change, but the questions remain the same!
Questions? What is Georgia’s average annual rainfall? 45- to 70-inches per year
58-inches – good estimate
not evenly distributed
Questions? What is Georgia’s population? 8.3 million
increase by 1 million
4.3 million in Atlanta MSA 20 counties 52% of states residents - 2002 54% growth - 1990 to 2002
Questions? Where does Atlanta get its water? Chattahoochee River Basin
Drinking Water = 70% smallest watershed to
supply metropolitan city in the U.S.
Origin for 12 of 14watersheds
Questions?Why is this important? Taxing a static system
Public health Continued growth Natural resources Enhance quality of life
Questions?Currently, what is the most important environmental issue confronting the turfgrass industry? Water Conservation
Questions?Is turfgrass just a “quality of life” and aesthetics issue? Not at all
important environmental function sociological function safety function
Inappropriately considered as “nonessential”
Questions?Why use a BMPs approach? Prior success - Pesticide & nutrient fate
Science-based
Holistic / systems approach
Site-specific
Integrates new technology
Questions?Are Georgia’s GC superintendents working
toward implementing BMPs? Yes
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) DNR-EPD Develop BMPs for individual golf courses 75% of member golf clubs 3-years – May 14, 2007
Questions?What are the potential outcomes of the MOA? Alterations for outdoor water rules Flexibility to manage irrigation water Transcend into other areas of turfgrass Improved water conservation Demonstrate stewardship & good faith
Questions?Related to turfgrass, what are the tenets of BMPs for water conservation? Plant selection & adaptation
Turfgrass management
Irrigation adjustments based on the soil- plant-atmospheric system
Questions?What are some examples of specific BMPs?
Site assessment (grasses, soils, microclimates) Irrigation audit (uniformity & water alternatives) Proper cultural practices (agronomics) Irrigation guidance (ET, sensors) Improving rootzone Planning for future water needs Identify opportunities to reduce water use Continued education
Questions?How can the industry do more? Build awareness
Education Professionalism Stewardship Get involved
Questions?How does the turfgrass industry change its
image and accentuate the benefits? Communication Continued stewardship Continued education Sound science Best Management Practices (BMPs)
N. Ga. Turfgrass Field Day – May 24
UGA Turfgrass Field Day – August 15
GSPA Field Day – November 1
Turfgrass Institute – December 5 & 6
Important Dates in 2006
Thank You
VisitWWW.Georgiaturf.com
andWWW.Turfgrasswater.com