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Best Management Practices for Water Conservation in Turfgrass for Alabama Compiled by David Han, Ph.D., Auburn University & Alabama Cooperative Extension System
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se turfgrasses that are well U adapted to the site where they are growing, considering:
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•U se technology to monitor rainfall, evaporation and soil moisture status.
• Climate • Shade • Soil type
• I rrigate only as needed to replace the water the turfgrass is using or to maintain a desired soil moisture content.
• Availability of irrigation • Traffic and other stresses
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Manage the turfgrass properly
• I f water monitoring technology is not available, monitor the turfgrass plants and irrigate when they show the initial signs of drought stress.
to promote good turf health and minimize stress. •A pply the proper amount of nitrogen fertilizer for the species and variety of turfgrass and for the intended use of the turf. •T ake soil and/or tissue tests regularly to maintain proper levels of phosphorous, potassium and micronutrients and to maintain proper soil pH.
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2016
•M ow at the correct height and frequency for the turfgrass species/variety and intended use. •A erate regularly to maintain good root health and reduce soil compaction. • E mploy IPM to manage pest problems and promote healthy turfgrass growth. •W here applicable, use wetting agents to improve water infiltration and distribution in the rootzone.
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Irrigate according to the actual water needs of the turfgrass, rather than a calendar schedule.
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• I rrigate in the morning to reduce water loss to evaporation. • E nsure that irrigation water applied is reaching the rootzone rather than running off. Observe the irrigation, and shut it off if runoff occurs. •P rogram a series of “run and soak” cycles, if able. •C onsider upgrading controllers to allow more precise control of irrigation timing. •W here possible, make use of recycled water, rain barrels, etc.
•D O NOT irrigate during rainfall or when the soil is already saturated.
References
•C onsider taking advantage of warm-season grass’ natural ability to withstand drought by going dormant in areas where continuous growth is not absolutely necessary.
Alabama Smart Yards Manual, ANR-1359, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 2012 Smart Yards App, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 2014 https://store.aces.edu/ItemDetail. aspx?ProductID=18796 Best Management Practices for Landscape Water Conservation, Bulletin 1329, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, 2007 BMP Worksheet, Alabama GCSAA, 2013 v
Properly use, maintain and
upgrade irrigation equipment to optimize efficiency. •C onduct regular irrigation audits to make sure that water is being applied evenly and that the irrigation system is generally in good working order. •U se rain sensors to shut down irrigation during rain events.