The effects of different irrigation levels applied in golf courses on some quality characteristics of turfgrass

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of different irrigation levels on evapotranspiration (ET) and quality characteristics of golf-course turfgrasses grown under Mediterranean climatic conditions and to determine the most economical irrigation level which would provide an acceptable turfgrass quality level. Four different irrigation treatments were examined: 100% (S1), 88% (S2), 75% (S3), and 50% (S4) of the evaporation measured in the Class A Pan. Treatment S2 represented the existing irrigation level practiced by golf course management. The best color quality during the experimental period was obtained from the S3 irrigation treatment, followed by S2. Results regarding the ground cover percentage and root weights in the S2 and S3 treatments were better than S1 and S4. It was concluded that Class A Pan could be used to schedule turfgrass irrigation and 75% of evaporation from Class A Pan would be enough for irrigation. Additionally, it was found that 15% of irrigation water could be conserved compared with the current irrigation schedule (S2), practiced by the owner.