Fertilizing Calcareous Sand Greens

Paul G. Johnson, Ph.D.; Rich Koenig, Ph.D.; and Kelly Kopp, Ph.D.

Many sources of sand for use on golf courses in the Intermountain West are calcareous with alkaline pH. Turfgrasses growing on these sands commonly exhibit phosphorous and iron deficiencies. These short comings are magnified when calcareous sands are used in modified root zones where nutrient levels change rapidly because of low cation exchange capacity (CEC) and high leaching potential. In addition, many nutrients become less available at high pH. Maintaining high-quality, functional turf on these sands involves careful management of applied nutrients and water to minimize leaching losses.

Research article pdf.