Evaluation of Recycled Glass and Compost as a Turfgrass Media

Abstract

ABSTRACT Analysis of the particle size distribution of a Maui and Oahu glass sand and an imported silica sand indicated that only the Oahu glass sand met USGA guidelines for greens construction without additional screening. Bulk density, total porosity, capillary pore space, air-filled pore space, and water retention capacity of the silica and Oahu glass sand alone and with 4:1 (v:v) mixtures of several sources of organic matter were measured. Total porosity, capillary porosity, total air-filled porosity, and water retention capacity in the various mixtures of silica sand were lower than the USGA recommendations for putting greens. Organic matter-Oahu glass sand mixes had the desired bulk density and total porosity for putting greens in most instances, although performance of specific organic matters and composts varied with individual tests. Water retention capacity (or capillary porosity) and air-filled porosity of glass sand-organic matter mixtures were beyond the recommended range. Ma-cadamia husk com...