Good management will calm public fears over water contamination. I n addition to providing recreation for nearby residents, golf courses have traditionally been thought of as environmentally sound landscapes, preserving green spaces that otherwise could have been developed. In recent years, however, as the public has become increasingly alarmed about chemical use and groundwater quality, golf courses have come under a challenge. The public is right - if nitrogenous fertilizers are not applied correctly. There are a number of factors, environmental and otherwise, involved in a proper management program that can minimize fertilizer and pesticide leaching, as well as runoff and erosion.
Good management can reduce the risk of contaminating water supplies.
Source of nitrogen. If water-soluble sources are applied in several split applications, however, their pollution potential is reduced. Use a slow-release nitrogen whenever possible, especially on tees and greens. Slow-release nitrogen sources offer the advantages of reducing labor costs, as well as reducing the risk of foliar burn, providing a more even supply of nitrogen with less nitrogen leaching. However, there are several minor problems with the use of slow-release sources.