Communication of soil water repellency causes, problems, and solutions of intensively managed amenity turf from 2000 to 2020

Abstract

Abstract Research and investigations of soil water repellency in turfgrass science is a relatively recent endeavor, with most notable progress beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000s and continuing into the present. The objectives of this review were to determine the extent of publications from 2000 to the present on the topic of soil water repellency in turfgrass science, and to assemble a list of soil surfactant product formulations currently available for the amenity turf industry in the USA and United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland in 2019. From 1 January 2000 through 1 June 2020, cumulative number of referred or peer-reviewed research journal articles was 64, the number of abstracts, reports, and proceedings was 87, and the number of professional and trade journal articles was 86. Published works in all categories represented a linear increase over time, and is indicative of increased research activity into this critical area of study. Soil surfactant products and formulations in the USA totaled 192, with 65 in UK/Ireland. The nonionic soil surfactant chemical category is the largest, representing 74% of products in the USA, and 66% of products in UK/Ireland. With formulation category, block copolymers and formulations that contain block copolymers or structurally modified block copolymers as a formulation component comprise the largest group with 58% of products in the USA, and 49% of products in UK/Ireland. Also by formulation category, 25% of USA products and 23% of UK/Ireland products are comprised of anionic and anionic blends and other formulations. Of note, 17% of products in the USA and 28% of products in UK/Ireland do not disclose their formulation. Dr. Louis Dekker’s pioneering insight and advances in soil water repellency has provided turfgrass scientists with a firm foundation and guidance with which to pursue research into the causes, problems, and amelioration of soil water repellency in turfgrass ecosystems. The global amenity turf industry remains the segment where Dr. Dekker’s research has had the most influence and impact to both scientists and turf practitioners.