Mobility and Persistence of Pesticides in Golf Greens

Situation or issue identification: There are over 1,200 golf courses in Florida, and golf is a billion-dollar industry in the state. Palm Beach County alone has 2,601 golf holes, the most of any single county in the USA. Pesticides are required for maintaining high quality golf turf that receives very heavy play.

Rationale for research support resources: The public is concerned about the fate of pesticides applied to golf turf, particularly in regards to possible groundwater contamination and effects on golfers through dermal contact and inhalation.

Measurable or potential impact in terms of social, economic, and/or environmental factors resulting from expenditure of research support funds: The research can identify pesticides that have the potential for dislodgeability, volitilization, and groundwater contamination and provide some quantification of that potential. Then, best management practices can be developed to minimize groundwater contamination risks from pesticides so identified. In addition, soil amendments that can attenuate pesticide leaching can be developed. And, risk assessments related to dermal and inhalation pesticide exposure by golfers can be made.

Collaborating organizations/agencies and teaching/research/extension partnerships: The work is funded in part by a grant from the United States Golf Association.

For more information contact: George H. Snyder