Previous studies with turf have indicated critical values of soil nitrate desorbed from anion exchange membranes (AEMs) that optimize color and growth responses. There may be an increased potential of nitrate leaching from turf when soil nitrate desorbed from AEMs exceeds the critical values needed for optimum growth and color. To test this hypothesis, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) plots were established over soil monolith lysimeters and fertilized with N rates ranging from 0 to 98 kg/ha/month. Fertilizer treatments were applied from May through October, 2004. Soil nitrate desorbed from AEMs was measured every two weeks during this period and into November until the ground was frozen. The volume of percolate collected and concentration of nitrate-N in percolate water were measured from May 2004 to May 2005. The flow-weighted concentrations and mass of nitrate-N lost in the percolate were highly correlated to soil nitrate desorbed from AEMs. These results suggest that AEMs could be used to predict nitrate leaching losses from turf, and provide a management tool to prevent over-fertilization of N on turf.