Minimum mowing, fertilizer and irrigation cost estimates
Nine turfgrass scientists roughly estimated the minimum costs required to fertilize, irrigate and mow turfgrasses using climate data, turfgrass physiology information and resource costs.
Turfgrass type, maintenance practices, local climate and soil conditions impact golf course mowing. The frequency of mowing turfgrass primarily depends on the species or variety and the height at which it is cut, with taller, slower-growing types requiring significantly less mowing than shorter, faster-growing ones. More frequent mowing of turfgrass increases energy use, emissions, labor and costs, making it crucial for managers to set mowing standards that balance functional requirements with growth optimization.
Turfgrass yield measurements estimate management inputs like nutrients, mowing and irrigation. Due to turfgrass often being in a state of nitrogen deficiency, managing it economically involves calculating the minimum nitrogen input costs without compromising performance or aesthetics.
The PACE Turf model estimated turf growth potential (0 to 100 percent) for eight U.S. cities. Nitrogen (N) estimates were derived by multiplying the relative growth potential by a conservative estimate of maximum monthly N use for cool- and warm-season grasses (1 lb. 1,000 ft−2) based on a 0.82 pounds dry matter per 1,000 ft2 daily growth rate and tissue content of 4 percent N. The estimated N use was then used to calculate a per acre cost based on an N source at $0.50 per pound (see Table).
Although the actual minimum costs vary regionally, they estimate mowing golf putting greens require about $34 per acre per month, while other areas cost less than $11 per acre per growing month. Turfgrass fertilizer could cost $22 or less per acre per growing month. Irrigation costs vary widely, ranging from $276 to $3,672 per acre annually.
References
Soldat DJ, Brosnan JT, Chandra A, Gaussoin, R, Kowalewski, A, Leinauer, B, Rossi, F, Stier, J, and Unruh, JB. 2020. Estimating economic minimums of mowing, fertilizing, and irrigating turfgrass. Agriculture & Environmental Letters. 2020;5:e20032. https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.20032
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