Planting turfgrass sod increases water absorption and reduces erosion. Seeded grades experience 10-12 times greater runoff during irrigation or heavy rainfall because the seed can only absorb about 2.5 inches of water per hour compared to the 7.5 inches absorbed by sod.

Will fertilizer or pesticides affect groundwater quality?

When nitrates are found in nearby ground water, turf fertilization is sometimes wrongly accused. In fact, tests show that healthy turfgrass sod absorbs most nitrogen almost immediately; very little escapes the grass thatch. The small amount of phosphate in turf fertilizers is quickly 'fixed' by the turfgrass and soil, contributing to plant growth and related ecological benefits.

While the use of pesticides on turf has caused concern, microbes in turfgrass sod actually help break down chemicals. Tests show that dense turfgrass sod slows runoff velocity and allows water to infiltrate the thatch where soil microbes degrade the chemicals. The root zones of mature grass plants contribute to herbicide degradation.

What about water conservation?

An acre of turfgrass sod provides an average of 600,000 gallons of water replacement each year under average rainfall. A typical 150- acre golf course located in the Northeast, for example, will recharge the water table with 90 million gallons of rainwater and snowmelt each year. The golf course would use about 9 million gallons of water, and release 81 million gallons for water table replenishment.