Inorganic N and P Exports from Overseeded and Non-Overseeded Turf.

Enrichment of surface waters can result in algal blooms and negative impacts on aquatic ecosystem health and 
beneficial uses of those waters. Nutrient losses from turfgrass sites are typically minimal when managers use 
best management practices. However, recent reports suggest winter and early spring nutrient losses from 
warm-season turfgrasses can be important in some years depending on seasonal weather conditions and turfgrass 
health. A field study was conducted to test whether winter overseeding with perennial ryegrass (Lolium 
perenne L.) could reduce seasonal nutrient losses from common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] 
fairway turf. The study was conducted on an existing runoff research facility in Stillwater, OK having a 0.05 
m m^-1 slope and automated flow measurement and sampling equipment. Runoff flow volume as well as nitrate-N, 
ammonium-N, and total dissolved P concentrations were measured in runoff samples collected from monthly 
irrigation excess events. Results from one year will be discussed.