Repeated Applications of a Hydrophilic Sand Affect Turfgrass Quality and Reduce Irrigation Water Requirement.

The aim of our study was to assess the effects of an experimental hydrophilic sand on stress tolerance, soil moisture distribution, and overall quality of a Princess 77 bermudagrass stand. A three year study (2011 to 2013) was conducted at New Mexico State University to evaluate a hydrophilic sand (ACA 3114) alone and in combination with a standard wetting agent (Revolution) on bermudagrass plots. The soil at the site was characterized as a sandy entisol, which is typical for arid regions of the southwest. Treatments consisted of two levels of irrigation [70% and 50% of reference evapotranspiration (ETo)] and monthly applications of Revolution and ACA 3114 from June to August of each year. Soil moisture content and uniformity was determined monthly with a hand-held Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR). Turfgrass quality was evaluated monthly visually on a scale of 1to 9 (1 = dead turf and 9 = dark green, uniform turf). Digital image analysis was used to determine turfgrass color and cover. Overall, plots treated with surfactants exhibited higher quality and greater DGCI than the control plots at 50% ETo irrigation. Applications of ACA 3114 were  also beneficial to plots irrigated at  70% ETo Plots treated with ACA 3114 exhibited a greater percentage of green cover than the control plots at the 50% ETo irrigation level. Repeated applications of a hydrophilic sand also resulted in a more uniform distribution of soil moisture along with an increased retention of moisture in the rootzones.