Because of growing demands for potable water in arid regions of the United States, turfgrass managers are increasingly using low quality water to meet irrigation requirements. Water conditioning units are marketed as tools to improve water quality, water penetration, reduce turfgrass establishment time and improve turfgrass quality. A study was initiated in 2004 at New Mexico State University to investigate establishment and subsequent turfgrass quality of perennial ryegrass irrigated with either saline or potable water treated with magnetic and catalytic water conditioning units. Establishment was evaluated with digital image analysis of the plots. After establishment, irrigation was controlled by soil moisture sensors and turfgrass quality was monitored using digital image analysis. Results indicated that turfgrass establishment was faster with potable water than with saline water. Water conditioners had no significant effect on turfgrass establishment regardless of water quality. These results, along with turf quality data from 2005, will be presented and discussed.
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