Nutrient flux in storm water runoff and baseflow from managed turf

The urban landscape is comprised of many land uses, none more intensively managed than turfgrass; however, quantification of nutrient losses from specific land uses within urban watersheds, specifically golf courses is limited. Nitrate (NO3-N) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) were measured on a golf course in Austin, TX,: USA from April 1, 1998 to March 31, 2003. NO3-N and DRP concentrations measured in storm flow were significantly greater exiting the course compared to those entering the course. Significant differences were also measured in baseflow NO3-N concentrations. The measured loading from the course was 4.0 kg NO3-N ha(-1) yr(-1) (11% of applied) and 0.66 kg DRP ha(-1) yr(-1) (8% of applied). The resulting concentrations contributed by the course were 1.2 mg L-1 NO3-N and 0.2 mg L-1 DRP. At these levels, NO3-N poses minimal environmental risk. However, the DRP concentration is twice the recommended level to guard against eutrophication. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.