Effects of water retention barriers (WRB) that placed under soil on soil water content, and turfgrass plant development

In this research, effects of water retention barrier (WRB) that was placed under effective rooting depth of turfgrass, on soil water content, plant water consumption, yield and plant properties (plant water content, chlorophyll, root development, visual quality) were investigated in Canakkale-Ezine in 2010 and 2011. Additionally, results were simulated with HYDRUS/2D by using water contents measured by sensors, climate and soil properties data. Treatments were WRB application depths (30 cm and 40 cm) and irrigation levels (100%, 66% and 33% of available water holding capacity) and control (no WRB and 100% of available water holding capacity). Results showed that WRB application saved 35-74% water compared to control treatment. WRB applications to depths of 30 cm and 40 cm and irrigation to 100% and 66% of available water holding capacity resulted a good quality of turfgrass growth under Canakkale climate conditions. When turfgrass was irrigated to 33% of available water holding capacity, plant properties and yield of turfgrass were negatively affected. Correlation coefficients between measured soil water contents and predicted (HYDRUS/2D) values were between 0.74-0.94. Therefore HYDRUS/2D model can be used to predict soil water content in Canakkale sandy soils. As a result, using SWRB in turfgrass which has high water consumption, saved water compared to control. This method can be used to save water within sandy soil profiles.