IRRIGATION SCIENCE, cilt.22, sa.2, ss.87-93, 2003 (SCI-Expanded)
The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of different irrigation levels on evapotranspiration (ET) and quality characteristics of golf-course turfgrasses grown under Mediterranean climatic conditions and to determine the most economical irrigation level which would provide an acceptable turfgrass quality level. Four different irrigation treatments were examined: 100% (S-1), 88% (S-2), 75% (S-3), and 50% (S-4) of the evaporation measured in the Class A Pan. Treatment S-2 represented the existing irrigation level practiced by golf course management. The best color quality during the experimental period was obtained from the S-3 irrigation treatment, followed by S-2. Results regarding the ground cover percentage and root weights in the S-2 and S-3 treatments were better than S-1 and S-4. It was concluded that Class A Pan could be used to schedule turfgrass irrigation and 75% of evaporation from Class A Pan would be enough for irrigation. Additionally, it was found that 15% of irrigation water could be conserved compared with the current irrigation schedule (S-2), practiced by the owner.