AWWA SOURCES55711

A long term monitoring program has been initiated in southern Nevada to assess the impact that transitioning to irrigation with reuse water has on golf courses (compared to two sets of controls - no transitioning and transitioning completed). The research has been linked to educational classes taught on turfgrass management with reuse water. Nine golf courses have been selected for the program. One fairway, green and mixed landscape area on each course has been instrumented with salinity sensors, TDR probes, solution extraction cups, tensiometers and water meters. Water, salinity and nitrogen status of these sites is being assessed on a bi-monthly basis. Plant health is being assessed by monitoring canopy temperature, tissue moisture content, leaf xylem water potential, stomatal conductance, color, cover, visual damage and tissue ion concentrations. Monitoring has occurred for 16 months. However, transition to reuse water on the three courses scheduled for conversion has not yet occurred. Preliminary results are discussed. Includes 5 references, figures.