Turfgrass ET from small lysimeters in northeast Colorado
Date
2010
Authors
Crookston, Mark A., author
Hattendorf, Mary, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
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Abstract
Small weighing lysimeters were planted to 11 different turfgrass varieties in 2010. Only one of the 11 turfgrasses selected was warm-season, the remaining 10 were cool-season. There are four replicates of each turfgrass. Results are compared to ETos calculated from an adjacent weather station using the standardized Penman-Monteith equation. The first season results from 44 small weighing lysimeters are presented. Each lysimeter is centered in a 4 ft by 4 ft plot of the same grass variety. The lysimeters each consist of a PVC shell containing a 12-inch diameter free draining sandy loam soil core having a 20-inch rooting depth. The lysimeters are continuously weighed in-place by electronic load platforms connected to a data logger. Irrigation is applied via high uniformity sprinklers and measured through a flow meter monitored by a data logger. All turfgrasses receive the same irrigation treatment and are managed to avoid soil moisture induced stress. All grasses are mowed to the same height. The purpose of the study is to quantify evapotranspiration of several varieties of turfgrass, under well watered conditions and with adequate fertility. Differences in measured turfgrass evapotranspiration are included in the summary. Quantification of turfgrass ET with increased accuracy is especially important in regards to water conservation, agricultural to urban water transfers, and water rights administration.
Description
Presented at Meeting irrigation demands in a water-challenged environment: SCADA and technology: tools to improve production: a USCID water management conference held on September 28 - October 1, 2010 in Fort Collins, Colorado.