Super Science: Recent research on golf course fertilization

Research on golf course fertilization reflects a clear shift toward precision nutrient management, environmental protection and data-driven decision making. Across multiple studies, scientists are reevaluating traditional fertilization programs, emphasizing reductions in nutrient losses, optimized plant uptake and tailored inputs to site-specific conditions. 

A significant focus is on phosphorus (P) stewardship, as highlighted by recent work from the Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF) and Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO). These studies demonstrate that many golf course soils — especially those with sand-based greens — can maintain turf quality with significantly reduced phosphorus (P) inputs when soil testing and targeted applications are employed. 

Researchers emphasize that P deficiency is most likely during establishment or in soils with high aluminum and iron oxides, but routine blanket P applications are often unnecessary. This aligns with a broader global push to conserve P as a finite resource and minimize eutrophication risks.

Nitrogen (N) research continues to evolve as well. University of Wisconsin–Madison trials conducted in 2023–2024 examined whether fall N timing influences snow mold severity in cool-season turf. Results showed no meaningful differences in disease incidence or turf quality across timing treatments, suggesting that N timing alone is not a strong lever for snow mold management. 

The Wisconsin results challenge long-held assumptions and encourage superintendents to prioritize integrated disease management rather than relying on fertilization timing as a control strategy.

The most forward-looking research centers on precision fertilization technologies. Cornell University’s 2025 work demonstrates how microwave radiometry, multispectral imaging and canopy reflectance sensors can improve N management by detecting subtle changes in turf vigor and soil moisture. 

These tools allow superintendents to apply nutrients only where needed, reducing waste and improving consistency. While adoption barriers such as cost, training and workflow integration exist, the potential for resource savings is substantial.

Across all studies, three themes dominate: (1) Targeted nutrient inputs outperform blanket programs, (2) environmental stewardship is now a primary driver of fertilization research and (3) technology is rapidly reshaping how superintendents make nutrient decisions.

The emerging consensus is clear: The future of golf course fertilization is precise, data-guided and environmentally accountable. 

Sources

Hesselsøe, K. J., Borchert,A. F., Øgaard, A. F., Krogstad, T., Chen, Y.,Prämaßing, W., & Aamlid, T. S. (2022). Reduced phosphorus fertilization on golf courses: A comparison of three fertilizer recommendations for putting greens. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, 14, 76–89. https://doi.org/10.1002/its2.132

Xiong, X., Bell, G.E., Solie, J.B., Smith, M.W., and Martin, B. (2007). Bermudagrass Seasonal Responses to Nitrogen Fertilization and Irrigation Detected Using Optical Sensing. Crop Science 47:1603-1610. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2006.06.0400

Guertal, E. A. (2007). Phosphorus leaching from sand-based putting greens. USGA Green Section Record, 45(6)14-18.

Koch, P. L., & Soldat, D. J. (2019). Nitrogen fertility effects on winter diseases of turfgrass. Plant Disease, 103(11), 2810–2816. 

Soldat, D. J., & Petrovic, A. M. (2008). The fate and transport of phosphorus in turfgrass ecosystems. Crop Science, 48(6), 2051–2065. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2008.03.0134

Cornell Turfgrass Program. (2025, December 16). On-site turf research shaped management outcomes in 2025. Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/2025/12/16/on-site-turf-research-shaped-management-outcomes-in-2025/

Sela, S., van Es, H. M., Moebius-Clune, B. N., Marjerison, R. D., Kneubühler, G., Melkonian, J. J., & Moebius-Clune, D. (2018). Dynamic model-based recommendations increase the precision and sustainability of nitrogen fertilization in midwestern U.S. maize production. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 153, 202–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2018.08.010

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