Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Introduction

Maryland’s golf course superintendents are dedicated to protecting the state’s natural resources. As a demonstration of this commitment, superintendents have partnered with University of Maryland turf scientists to develop and document best management practices (BMPs) for golf course management. These research-based, voluntary guidelines developed specifically for the state of Maryland, in addition to the state’s nutrient and pesticide regulations, not only protect natural resources, they also afford the opportunity for superintendents to be recognized by club members, the community at large, and state officials as environmental stewards. Golf courses, especially in urban areas, often represent some of the largest areas of open space around. These large expanses of grass allow water to infiltrate into the ground naturally instead of flowing into storm sewers. This is an example of an ecosystem service that benefits humans and other species directly and indirectly. Other ecosystem services linked to large expanses of turf, like those found on Maryland’s golf courses, include temperature moderation, stormwater management, cultural services such as recreation, and supporting services such as nutrient cycling, water cycling, and provisioning of habitat. BMPs are methods or techniques found to be the most effective and practical means of achieving an objective, such as preventing water quality impacts or reducing pesticide usage. Because of the efforts aimed at protecting water quality, especially in the portions of Maryland located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the majority of BMPs in this document relate to water quality. In addition, an emerging concern related to protecting pollinators is also addressed, including identifying specific practices to protect pollinator health as well as expanding habitat for pollinators. Priority topics addressed in this document include the use of nutrients and pesticides, the potential for erosion and sedimentation, water conservation, and emerging concerns related to pollinators. Each area is described briefly below and addressed throughout this document. Nutrient and Pesticide Usage The proper use of nutrients and pesticides promotes healthy plant growth which then promotes ecosystem health. When applied properly and in the correct amounts, nutrients are taken up by plants and create a dense, healthy turf that resists diseases and weed encroachment. When properly applied, pesticides are directed to and absorbed or taken up by the target. For example, foliar applied sprays are absorbed by plant leaves, while soil-applied pesticides may be taken up by plant roots. Once in plant tissue, pesticides may be broken down. However, the components of fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorus) and characteristics of pesticides (toxicity, solubility, and chemical breakdown rate) can impact water quality and non-target species through off-site movement and exposure. Best management practices reduce the potential for water quality impacts from fate and transport mechanisms such as runoff, leaching, and drift. For example, nutrient BMPs describe the appropriate amounts of fertilizers that should be applied and when they should be applied to Key Components of Maryland’s Golf Course BMPs

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