AN ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY BETWEEN PONDS LOCATED ADJACENT TO PUTTING GREENS AND THOSE LOCATED ADJACENT TO FAIRWAYS IN A CENTRAL GEORGIA GOLF COURSE: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Collection of water samples from seven ponds during a nine month period on a Georgia golf course showed marked differences in water quality between ponds located near fairways versus those located near greens. The ponds ranged in size from 0.40 hectares to 120 hectares with a median size of 1.3 hectares. Different physical and chemical parameters were measured every month (pH, temperature, conductivity, nitrates, ammonia-nitrogen and phosphorus). Pesticides (glyphosate, 2,4-D,chlorothalonil, and thiophanate-methyl) were analyzed four times (March, April, May, and July). Sub-watershed characteristics were delineated on a 1:200 topographic map for each pond (drainage area, gradient, vegetation cover, soil type) so that the Universal Soil Loss Equation could be use to gauge the amount of soil erosion caused by runoff from the sub-watersheds and into the ponds. Soil erosion rates varied from 0.64 to 11.6 tons/yr. Soil transport into the ponds by runoff is important in determining the effects that frequent fertilization and pesticide applications to the grounds have on the overall water quality of the ponds. The goal of this study was to develop best management practice (BMP) guidelines for the golf course. Implementation of these BMPs will help this golf course attain a ‘green course’ status and certification by the Georgia Audubon Society.