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Implementing a water conservation plan for Georgia golf course superintendents

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?

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Implementing a water conservation plan for Georgia golf course superintendents

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  1. Implementing a water conservation plan for Georgia golf course superintendents Clint Waltz, Ph.D. Extension Turfgrass Specialist The University of Georgia

  2. Questions? With time answers may change, but the questions remain the same!

  3. Questions? What is Georgia’s average annual rainfall? • 45- to 70-inches per year • 58-inches – good estimate • not evenly distributed

  4. 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

  5. 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 14 watersheds

  6. Questions? Why is this important? • Taxing a static system • Public health • Continued growth • Natural resources • Enhance quality of life

  7. Questions? Currently, what is the most important environmental issue confronting the turfgrass industry? • Water Conservation

  8. 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”

  9. Questions? Why use a BMPs approach? • Prior success - Pesticide & nutrient fate • Science-based • Holistic / systems approach • Site-specific • Integrates new technology

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Questions? How can the industry do more? • Build awareness • Education • Professionalism • Stewardship • Get involved

  15. Questions? How does the turfgrass industry change its image and accentuate the benefits? • Communication • Continued stewardship • Continued education • Sound science • Best Management Practices (BMPs)

  16. Important Dates in 2006 N. Ga. Turfgrass Field Day –May 24 UGA Turfgrass Field Day – August 15 GSPA Field Day – November 1 Turfgrass Institute – December 5 & 6

  17. Thank You Visit WWW.Georgiaturf.com and WWW.Turfgrasswater.com

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