Estimated Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) of Turfgrass at Different Management Intensities in a Golf Course in the Province of Verona

The carbon (C) sequestration potential of turfgrass systems has been investigated and demonstrated from several studies. The role of these ecosystems in continental and Mediterranean climates though, is not yet clearly understood because environmental limiting factors and management intensities can strongly influence the overall C budget. The aim of the present study is to improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying C fluxes in a turfgrass ecosystem and to assess its C sequestration potential by estimating the annual C budget. NEE (Net Ecosystem Exchange) of turfgrass was calculated in its seasonal variation over one year, and compared between areas characterized by different degrees of maintenance. The C sequestration potential of the turfgrass was investigated in a golf course near Verona (Italy), adopting a small-chamber enclosure approach. The measurements of gas exchanges between biosphere and atmosphere, permitted to estimate the NEE, as a function of different management intensities. The intensity of management seems to have influence on its C balance. This study needs further research to understand which maintenance variables are determinant on turfgrass C sequestration.