Stewardship Tip Aug29th, 2008 – Conserve water
Seed to Conserve Water
The end of the summer is the perfect time to renovate and improve the lawn. The cool evenings and warm fall days help cool season grass seed to germinate and grow quickly. If lawn work is on your agenda for the fall, consider planting a turf-type fescue to conserve water.
Turf-type fescues have increased in popularity in the past few years because their deep root system reduces the need for watering and fertilizing. The new varieties have a more appealing color than older varieties and have good resistance to disease and insects. They perform well in shade or full sun.
A healthy, high-quality bluegrass or ryegrass lawn may need up to 2.25 inches of water per week under hot, dry, windy summer conditions. Turf-type fescues require 1/3 to 1/4 less water than bluegrass.
Why it is important to the Fish: In western Nebraska, extensive development of groundwater irrigation led to the demise of Pumpkin Creek. The water no longer flows, the fish are gone, the creek has dried up.
In northeast Nebraska, the East Branch of the Verdigris Creek flows at about 24 percent below the 1996-2008 average. The elevation of the groundwater in the watershed is higher than that of the stream. When the water table drops, the flow of the creek is directly affected. The reduced flows have been attributed to increased agricultural irrigation and drought.
These examples illustrate the importance of water conservation. The stress that municipal wells place on our groundwater has the same effect as agricultural wells. If a well depletes the groundwater, the creeks and rivers that are fed by the groundwater can dry up. By planting drought-resistant grasses, we reduce our requirements for irrigation. We reduce the stress on our wells, groundwater, streams, rivers, and, ultimately, the stress on our fish.
For more on lawns that conserve water The Lawn Institute’s website.
This week’s sponsor-partner:Bradfield Organics
Bradfield Organics is committed to helping you enjoy the life you’ve built through premium products and their promise to help preserve and protect the environment. Their partnership makes this week’s “Stewardship Tip” possible.
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