Soil Response to Chemical Applications in Different Areas on a Golf Course

Soil Response to Chemical Applications in Different Areas on a Golf Course Drew Richardson, Kamaren Cunningham, Iin Handayani, Caleb Unverfehrt Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky, USA ABSTRACT Golf courses apply large amounts of chemicals every year to control pests, weeds, fungi, and nutrient levels. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken from four spots from the fairways, rough, and trees each at around 7.6 cm deep. The samples were collected from Miller Memorial Golf Course in Murray, KY and Paris Landing State Park in Buchannan, TN. The rough and tree areas have no chemicals that have been applied to them at Paris Landing; Miller Memorial sprays the rough for nutsedge. Miller Memorial has Loring Silt Loam and Brandon Silt Loam soils; Paris Landing State Park has Providence Silt Loam and Smithdale Silty Clay/Loam soils. The data processed looks as expected from the different soil types present in the locations. Miller Memorial’s rough showed lower SOM (4.08%) than Paris Landing (4.50%). In conclusion, applications in the rough decreased organic matter levels over time. Miller Memorial’s fairway pH was at the target pH (7.03), while the rough and trees ranged from 7.23-7.25. The soil pH in the fairway at Paris Landing (7.05) was similar to Miller Memorial. The surrounding ground had a soil pH of 7.18 to 7.20. The highest bulk density was found in the Paris Landing fairway (1.43 g/cm^3). The difference between the data from fairways/rough/trees determined how these applications influenced the overall soil health. This research will show golf course superintendents the needs for their soils’ overall health, promote proper turf management, and explain how the application of chemicals influences soil characteristics. Keywords: Compaction, soil health, soil organic matter, soil pH, turf management