American Turf Scientists Participate in Global GeoSciences Conference

PAULSBORO, N.J. – For the first time, a group of leading American researchers in soil water repellency presented their research at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly, held recently in Vienna, Austria, as part of a special 24-paper session on soil water repellency. Solicited oral papers on amelioration strategies for soil water repellency in turfgrass and agronomic systems were presented by Dr. John Cisar, University of Florida; Dr. Mike Fidanza, Pennsylvania State University; Dr. Stan Kostka, Aquatrols; Dr. Bernd Leinauer, New Mexico State University; and Dr. Birl Lowery, University of Wisconsin-Madison. These presentations allowed U.S. turf and soils research related to soil water repellency to be introduced to scientists and individuals from other countries also working on understanding and managing soil water repellency as it occurs all over the world. 

In addition to the oral presentations, 34 posters were also presented including four posters relating to management of soil water repellency on golf courses. 

The session entitled “Soil Water Repellency: Origins, Environmental Controls and Hydrological Impacts” was one of the largest individual sessions of the entire EGU General Assembly; it was attended by approximately 8000 people and covered a diverse range of topics in the geosciences. A special issue based on papers arising from/relating to this water repellency session is being planned for publication in “Geoderma,” with over 30 contributions already committed at this stage.

The soil water repellency papers and posters from the U.S. scientists addressed the following:

• “The effect of soil water repellency on turfgrass water requirements and performance.” (Cisar, et al.)
• “Soil hydrophobicity associated with type-I fairy ring in turfgrass.” (Fidanza, et al.)
• “Soil water repellency in golf course soils: water use and environmental implications.” (Kostka et al.)
• “Water repellency in sprinkler- and subirrigated turfgrass root zones.” (Leinauer, et al.)
• “Use of surfactant to increase water and nitrogen use efficiency in potato production in hydrophobic sandy soil in Wisconsin, USA.” (Lowery, et al.)
• “Efficacy of surfactants to aid water penetration into hydrophobic organic layers in turfgrass root zones; New Mexico State University.” (Barrick, et al.)
• Synergistic surfactants to enhance hydrophilicity and infiltration in water repellent soils; Aquatrols.” (Kostka and Bially)
• “Evaluating turfgrass performance after surfactant application in a wettable and a non-wettable soil; Aquatrols.” (Franklin, et al.)
• “Managing soil moisture content by systematic injection of wetting agents; CalPoly-Pomona.” (Mitra, et al.)

Other turfgrass-related papers and posters were presented by members of Alterra, the Netherlands:

• “Surfactant trials in Holland.” (C.J. Ritsema)
• “Revolution on the Fairway: Combating dry spots and preferential flow.” ( K. Oostindie, et al.)

Scientists from other disciplines were interested to learn about soil water repellency issues and management practices in turf, and the turf scientists were interested to learn about soil water repellency research in other areas that may be pertinent to turf management such as effects of long term use of effluent water on soil hydrological properties.  There was also information pertinent to turf management presented in other Soil Systems Sciences sessions as well as Soil Hydrology and Bio Hydrology sessions.  It is hoped that this international and multidisciplinary exchange of information will continue and result in increased understanding and information for effective management of turf grass and other crop systems. 

The EGU is an interdisciplinary learned association dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the geosciences and the planetary and space sciences for the benefit of humanity.  The EGU is devoted to the promotion of the sciences of the Earth and its environment and of planetary and space sciences; cooperation between scientists.  More information can be found at www.copernicus.org/EGU.   

More information on the Soil Water Repellency session in particular can be obtained from the Conveners:  Dr. Stefan Doerr, University of Wales Swansea and Dr. Coen Ritsema, Alterra, The Netherlands.