Nutrient Management Planning

Nutrient Management Planning for New York State Golf Courses i Introduction Mineral nutrient (fertilizer) applications to landscapes are recognized as a persistent risk to water quality. Increasing precision of fertilizer applications on golf courses is an essential aspect of golf course best management practices (BMPs) and provides a stress and pest tolerant turfgrass and successful playing surface. The first step to improving application efficiency is proper spatial assessment of nutrient requirements that calibrate nutrient applications to plant growth. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) has been adapted for mapping golf course soils in order to develop a targeted sampling strategy based on rapid assessment of soil texture. Once nutrient levels are determined, the values are interpreted using the Minimal Level of Sustainable Nutrition (MLSN) soil nutrient interpretation guidelines. Finally, the turfgrass growth potential (GP) model provides predicted nutrient needs based on variable plant demand through the growing season. This ensures nutrients are applied in amounts and at times when plants are most capable of uptake and utilization, thereby minimizing risk to water quality. Soil Mapping Spatial assessment of golf course soils has improved due to the availability of online soil mapping resources, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Web Soil Survey (WSS), and the use of EMI technology to map golf course landscapes. EMI-based soil mapping uses georeferenced points to identify soil variability Nutrient Management Planning for New York State Golf Courses Nick Menchyk Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Horticulture and Design, Farmingdale State College, State University of New York