Applied Soil Physical Properties, Drainage, and Irrigation Strategies

? The book is a realistic blend of basic knowledge and understanding in soil physical properties. It will enable the reader to scientifically analyze soils to develop practical and successful means of providing sufficient drainage and to develop science-based irrigation strategies. Only basic mathematical knowledge is necessary to understand and apply the proven principles covered. With limited resources that are increasing significantly in costs, the book blends the ideal concept of providing sufficient drainage and irrigation based on using soil physical properties but with financial limitations in mind. One traditional problem with many Soil Physics, Drainage, and Irrigations-based texts is the prerequisite of understanding complicated calculus-based mathematics. Although necessary for a theory-based text, our text was developed with practitioners in mind where such complicated mathematics was avoided but referenced if the reader wishes to further explore the specific topic. Another problem with many traditional texts is the lack of practical examples or case-studies allowing readers to relate their specific scenarios to similar types of situations. We have purposely included numerous examples and practical field experiences. This is especially true when many of the theoretical ideals are covered, followed by explanations of how such ideals can be applied in the laboratory and field.

Lambert B. McCarty

L. B. (Bert) McCarty is a Professor of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences specializing in turfgrass science and management at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. A native of Batesburg, SC, he received a BS degree from Clemson University in Agronomy and Soils, MS from North Carolina State University in Crop and Soil Science, and PhD from Clemson University in Plant Physiology and Plant Pathology.

Dr. McCarty spent nine years as a turfgrass specialist at the University of Florida in Gainesville. While at the University of Florida, he oversaw the design and construction of the state-of-the-art research and education turfgrass facility, “The Envirotron.” He also was author or co-author of the books, Best Management Practices for Florida Golf Courses, Weeds of Southern Turfgrasses, and Florida Lawn Handbook.

Since 1996, he has been at Clemson University and is involved in research, extension, and teaching activities. He has published numerous articles dealing with all phases of turfgrass management and is in constant demand for his presentations and world-wide agronomic knowledge and experiences. He is currently co-author of the books, Color Atlas of Turfgrass Weeds, Best Golf Course Management Practices, Southern Lawns, Home Lawn Management in SC, Managing Bermudagrass Turf, Sod Production in the Southern United States, Fundamentals of Turfgrass and Agricultural Chemistry, Designing and Maintaining Bermudagrass Sports Fields in the United States, and Weed Control in Turf and Ornamentals, is a co-author for the GCSAA seminars, Weed Control, Advanced Weed Management, Managing Bentgrass in Heat-Stress Environments, and Managing Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Golf Greens and is active in a number of professional societies. He also teaches a course, Advanced Turfgrass Management and has been a Certified Professional Agronomist for over 25 years. He is a Fellow, Crop Science Society of America and Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Scientist Award winner.

L. Ray Hubbard, Jr.

Ray Hubbard has been Clemson University’s Experiment Station Engineer since 1993. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Sciences from Clemson, with emphases in Soil Physics and Turfgrass, and a minor in Statistics. He also has B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering and Agricultural Engineering from Clemson. Dr. Hubbard has been a Registered Professional Engineer since 1989. He has made numerous scientific and public service presentations, research demonstrations, and classroom lectures.

Virgil Quisenberry

Virgil Quisenberry is a Professor emeritus specializing in Soil Physics at Clemson University. A native of Kentucky, he received a BS, MS, and PhD from the University of Kentucky in Soils and Agriculture. He spent 37 years as a professor at Clemson University dealing with teaching and research in the area of Soils, specifically Soil Physics. He continues to provide soils training to Certified Agronomists (CPAg) and Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) and is active on several graduate student committees.