HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Johns, D. Articles by Beard, J. B. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Johns, D. Articles by Beard, J. B. Agricola Articles by Johns, D. Articles by Beard, J. B.

Effects and Treatments of Petroleum Spills on Bermudagrass Turf¹

Due to the frequency of petroleum spill damage to turfgrass areas, a field study was conducted on ‘Tifgreen’ bermudagrass (Cynodon L. spp.) to determine the injury symptoms and subsequent recovery rates from petroleum spill damage. Five petroleum products commonly used in turfgrass maintenance equipment were applied as spill treatments to the turf growing on Lufkin fine sandy loam (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic, Vertic Albaqualf). Injury symptoms of the turf were documented following the three replicate spray applications of gasoline, motor oil, hydraulic fluid, and brake fluid, and following direct spreading of grease over 1 m² plots. Calcined clay fines, activated charcoal, and detergent were evaluated as potential corrective treatments. Each corrective treatment was applied within 20 minutes of each spill in three replications.

The injury symptom varied among the petroleum spill treatments. Detergent proved effective in enhancing bermudagrass recovery (3 to 4 weeks) from motor oil, hydraulic fluid, and brake fluid damage. None of the corrective treatments were effective on either the gasoline or grease-damaged turf. The bermudagrass recovered rapidly (3 to 4 weeks) from gasoline spills without corrective procedures. More than 10 weeks were required for recovery from grease spills.

Key Words: Activated charcoal • Brake fluid • Calcined clay • Detergent • Gasoline • Grease • Hydraulic fluid • Motor Oil • ‘Tifreen’

² Graduate research assistant and professor, Dep. of Soil & Crop Sciences, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX 7784

Received for publication July 21, 1978.