What are the environmental and economic impacts of subsurface drainage on golf courses?

1 Benefits of subsurface drainage

Subsurface drainage can enhance the health and performance of turfgrass by providing optimal soil moisture, aeration, and temperature conditions. It can also prevent the accumulation of salts, metals, and organic matter that can harm the root zone and reduce nutrient availability. By improving the drainage capacity of the soil, subsurface drainage can also extend the playing season and reduce the need for irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide applications. This can save water, energy, and money, as well as reduce the environmental footprint of golf courses.

2 Drawbacks of subsurface drainage

Subsurface drainage can also have some negative impacts on the environment and the economy of golf courses. For example, subsurface drainage can increase the runoff and leaching of nutrients, pesticides, and pathogens from the soil to the surface water and groundwater. This can affect the water quality and aquatic ecosystems, as well as pose health risks for humans and wildlife. Subsurface drainage can also alter the hydrology and ecology of the surrounding landscape, by affecting the water table, soil moisture, and biodiversity. Moreover, subsurface drainage can be costly to install, operate, and maintain, especially if the soil is rocky, clayey, or uneven.

3 Design and maintenance of subsurface drainage

To maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of subsurface drainage, golf course managers should carefully plan and implement the drainage system according to the site characteristics, the turfgrass species, and the management objectives. Some of the factors to consider are the depth, spacing, slope, and material of the drain pipes, the type and size of the gravel, the location and design of the outlets, and the integration with other drainage components, such as surface drainage, sand channels, and catch basins. Additionally, golf course managers should regularly inspect and clean the drainage system to prevent clogging, damage, and inefficiency.

4 Alternatives to subsurface drainage

Subsurface drainage is not the only option for improving the drainage of golf courses. Other methods that can be used alone or in combination with subsurface drainage, depending on the site conditions and the management goals, include aeration, topdressing, cultivation, and amending. Aeration involves puncturing the soil surface with spikes, tines, or cores to increase infiltration and percolation of water and air. Topdressing applies a thin layer of sand, compost, or other material to the turf surface to improve the soil structure and drainage. Cultivation involves loosening, mixing, or removing the soil to break up compaction, thatch, or hardpan layers that impede drainage. Amending adds organic matter, lime, gypsum, or other substances to the soil to improve its physical, chemical, or biological properties and drainage.

5 Tips for golfers

As a golfer, you can help maintain golf courses by following some simple tips. For instance, avoid playing on wet or saturated turf, as this can cause compaction, rutting, and damage to the grass and the drainage system. Additionally, repair your divots and ball marks to help the turf recover faster and prevent water accumulation and erosion. When driving a golf cart, use a cart path or a designated route to reduce the traffic and wear on the turf and the drainage system. Lastly, follow the signs and rules of the golf course; they are designed to protect the turf, the drainage system, and the environment.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?