A few weeks back you heard about the 72 hour water ban in Toledo, Ohio due to toxins from an Algae bloom in Lake Erie. Perhaps you heard about the ongoing problem on Lake St Mary’s in western Ohio for the same issue.
Algae can be a problem beyond appearance and plugging irrigation systems.
Farmers are feeling the brunt of the two Ohio algae situations. But the regulators are also looking at landscape and turf as another source of nutrient load spilling into our waterways. The golf and landscape worlds should pay attention.
The GCSAA had a Field Staff Representative jump in on the Toledo incident to make sure the golf industry was represented if need arose. Thanks to the GCSAA. So far nothing has transpired the golf industry needs to worry about.
The Lake St Marys algae problem started years ago. At least that one is clearly a farming issue since there are so few landscaped areas in the lakes watershed. The State of Ohio and local groups have partnered to help farmers reduce excess fertilizer. So far there seems to be a somewhat happy ending. But one thing is for sure, the algae bloomed nearly killed the resort area.
The nutrients in fertilizer are exactly what algae crave other than sunlight. If we can reduce the amount of nutrient load that enters the drainage basin of a watershed, then we can greatly improve the health of lakes and rivers. There is benefit for all in doing so.
Good Irrigation Helps
First, we do not want it said of our golf and turfgrass industry that we are the problem. Especially when we have the irrigation technology and fertilization practices in place to almost eliminate fertilizers in run-off water.
Good Irrigation Saves Money
Second, it’s expensive to apply more than the needed amount of fertilizer. Reducing over fertilization and irrigation caused run-off are two “green” practice that actually saves money.
Good Irrigation Reduces Hassles
Third, the problem often stays at home. In other words, the run-off entering your lakes is what carries the nutrient load for your own algae problems. Reduce it and your lakes will be healthier, thus requiring less time and money from you.
