Water, Water, Everywhere?

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1 Water, Water, Everywhere? A Drought/Water g / Conservation Presentation

2 About This Presentation Section 1 Introduction to Drought Section 2 Preparing for Drought Section 3 Coping and Recovering from Drought Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 2

3 Section 1 Introduction Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 3

4 Where Does Our Water Come From? Water is reused in the Water Cycle. However, the problem is, it s not always available where we want it in the right quantity and quality. Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 4

5 What Is Drought? Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 5

6 What Is Drought? No single definition -- Not all geographical areas are the same US (1942) Less than 2.5 mm of rainfall in 48 hours UK (1936) 15 consecutive days with daily precipitation total less than 0.25 mm Libya (1964) Annual rainfall less than 180 mm Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 6

7 What Is Drought? India (1960) Actual seasonal rainfall deficient by more than two mean deviations Bali (1964) Period of six days without rain Within the US and within states can be difficult - New York vs. Arizona? - North Florida vs. South Florida? Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 7

8 What Is Drought? Four basic definitions iti Meteorological o og Drought Usually an expression of precipitation s departure from normal over some period of time Agricultural Drought Not enough soil moisture to meet the needs of a particular crop at a particular time Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 8

9 What Is Drought? Hydrological Drought Deficiencies in surface and subsurface water supplies Socioeconomic Drought When physical water shortage starts to affect people, individually and collectively Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 9

10 Types of Drought Natural Climate Variabililty Time (du uration) Precipitation deficiency (amount, intensity, timing) Reduced infiltration, runoff, deep percolation, and ground water recharge Soil water deficiency High temp., high winds, low relative humidity, greater sunshine, less cloud cover Increased evaporation and transpiration Land water stess, reduced biomass and yield Meteorological Drought Agricultural Drought Reduced streamflow, inflow to reservoirs, lakes, and ponds; reduced wetlands, wildlife habitat Hydrological Drought Economic Impacts Social Impacts Environmental Impacts Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 10

11 What Can We Do about Drought? Take the time now to do the water audit located in your drought workbook. Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 11

12 How much water are you using on your yard? Step x 3 = 90 Watering minutes per day Watering days per week Watering minutes per week = 1.5 Step 2. Watering minutes per week Minutes per hour Watering hours per week Step x 1800 = 2700 Watering hours Gallons Gallons per week per hour per week Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 12

13 How much water do you use inside your home? Dishwasher 4 Uses Gallons Total per week per use gallons x 15 = 60 Washing Machine 4 x 60 = 240 Showers 6 x 30 = 180 Tub Baths 1 x 35 = 35 Toilet Flushes 15 x 6 = 90 Total Water Use per Week (gallons) = 605 Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 13

14 Ways to Save Water Dishwasher 1.4% Toilet oet26.7% Bath 1.7% Other Domestic 2.2% Leak 13.7% Clothes washer 21.7% Faucet 15.7% Shower % Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 14

15 Make sure your home is leak free (Item 2) Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 15

16 Check your toilet! (Items 5 8) Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 16

17 Automatic Dishwashers (Item 10) Short wash only. Don t overfill! Prewashing often is not necessary. Air drying will save energy. Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 17

18 Clothes Washers (Item 10) Operate only when fully loaded, even if it is possible to adjust the water level. Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 18

19 Showering (Items 8 9) Minutes Gallons Standard Shower Minutes Gallons Efficient Shower Water, Water, Everywhere? Introductionto Drought 19

20 Section 2 Preparing for Drought Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 20

21 Developing an Irrigation Plan When developing an irrigation plan, it is essential to consider the following: How frequently to water How much to water Time of day to water How to uniformly apply water How your turf irrigation affects your landscape plants Any microenvironmental effects in the landscape that affect irrigation requirements Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 21

22 Watering Your Florida Lawn How frequently to water Only when needed! Signs to look for: Leaf blades are folded in half lengthwise in an attempt to conserve water. The grass takes on a blue-gray tint rather than maintaining a green color. Footprints or tire tracks remain visible on the egrass long gafter being made. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 22

23 Signs to Look For Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 23

24 Signs to Look For Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 24

25 Signs to Look For Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 25

26 How Much to Water? Florida soils are typically sandy and hold 1 inch of water in the top 12 inches of soil. If the roots are in the top 12 inches of soil and the soil is dry, then ½ to ¾ inch of water is required to wet the area thoroughly. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 26

27 How Much to Water? Generally, turfgrasses require no more than 0.3 inches of water per day. Under extreme summer conditions, as much as 0.4 inches of water can be used per day. During winter, when grasses are not actively growing, water use may be only 0.05 inches of water per day. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 27

28 How Much to Water? Light, frequent watering is inefficient and encourages shallow root systems. Excessive irrigation, which keeps the root system saturated with water, is also harmful to the lawn. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 28

29 How Much to Water? Deep, infrequent watering Light, frequent watering Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 29

30 When to Water? Best time is early morning hours. Late morning and late afternoon can be detrimental. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 30

31 Uniformly Apply ppywater Check for proper installation. Some counties require installers to be licensed; others do not. Even with a professionally installed system, it is important to check coverage on a regular basis, as heads may become clogged, damaged, or off-center, and leaks in the line may occur. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 31

32 How to Check Your Sprinklers Place small, straight-sided cans in a straight line from your sprinkler to the edge of the watering pattern, and look for uniformity of coverage. You can also easily determine how long it takes your system to apply ½ to ¾ inch of water. Turn the water on for fifteen minutes and calculate the average depth of water in the cans. Multiply l this number by four to determine the irrigation rate in inches per hour. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 32

33 How to Check Your Sprinklers Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 33

34 How to Check Your Sprinklers Typical sprinkler patterns sprinkler Full Circle (360E) 1/2 Circle (180E) 1/4 Circle (90E) 3/4 Circle (270E) Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 34

35 How to Check Your Sprinklers Example of a correct layout. Correct sprinkler layout Irrigation Dep pth Distance Water application pattern Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 35

36 How to Check Your Sprinklers Eample Example of an incorrect layout! Incorrect sprinkler layout Water application pattern Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 36

37 How to Check Your Sprinklers CORRECT Example of correct and incorrect coverage for a rectangular shaped lawn. High Uniformity No waste INCORRECT Poor uniformity Inadequate irrigation INCORRECT Poor uniformity Waster water Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 37

38 Watering Your Florida Lawn It s important to remember that a sprinkler zone may be irrigating not only turf, but landscape plants as well. Not every part of your lawn will have the same irrigation requirements. Trees or large shrubbery can also cause shade, and some mature canopies actually shade a portion of the lawn for an entire day. If you choose to grow grass in the shade, you must reduce irrigation to this part of your lawn. Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 38

39 Xeriscaping 1. Plan and Design 2. Assess the Soil 3. Select the Right Plants 4. Use Grass Wisely 5. Apply Mulch 6. Water Efficiently 7. Maintain Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 39

40 Developing an Irrigation Plan Water, Water, Everywhere? Preparing for Drought 40

41 Section 3 Coping and Recovering from Drought 41

42 Section 3 Coping and Recovering from Drought Part 1 Helping Landscapes Cope with Drought 42

43 Part 1 Helping Landscapes Cope with Drought Introduction Considerations Irrigation Priorities/Practices Cultural Practicies Pest Management Specific Practices for Turf Specific Practices for Bedding Plants, Shrubs and Trees Drastic Measures! 43

44 44

45 45

46 Drought Impacts in the U.S February 8 March 8, p p 46

47 47

48 Considerations Irrigation Priorities/Practices Cultural Practices Pest Management Specific Practices for Turf Specific Practices for Bedding Plants, Shrubs and Trees DRASTIC MEASURES! 48

49 Irrigation Priorities Irrigate highly visible and intensively managed areas first 49

50 Irrigation Priorities Drought sensitive plants should have high priority, but turf should have lower priority since turf is less costly to replace 50

51 Irrigation Practices Water when irrigation restrictions s allow, or early in the morning Irrigate deeply at long intervals (to thoroughly moisten the root zone) rather than frequent, shallow waterings 51

52 Irrigation Practices Install a rain shut-off device on permanent irrigation systems, or check to make sure the existing device works properly and is not blocked by vegetation or structures 52

53 Irrigation Practices Examine the irrigation system to check for clogging and repair leaks 53

54 Cultural Practices Avoid practices that stimulate growth Don't fertilize Avoid routine pruning 54

55 Pest Management Keep weeds under control (weeds compete for water!) Watch for insect and disease problems (spider mites, borers, powdery mildew, vascular wilts) 55

56 Specific Practices for Turf Irrigate turf only after signs of wilting Stop irrigating Bahiagrass and allow it to go dormant 56

57 Specific Practices for Turf Raise the cutting height of turf Mow less frequently Keep the mower blade sharp! 57

58 Specific Practices for Bedding Plants, Shrubs and Trees Add mulch to beds so that the final depth is 2 to 3 inches after settling 58

59 Specific Practices for Bedding Plants, Shrubs and Trees Enlarge beds to reduce tree/shrub root competition from grass 59

and flower beds (about 65% of overhead irrigation

60 Specific Practices for Bedding Plants, Shrubs and Trees Avoid using overhead sprinklers for shrub and flower beds (about 65% of overhead irrigation can be wasted by evaporation and wind dispersal) 60

61 Specific Practices for Bedding Plants, Shrubs and Trees Consider installing a micro-irrigation irrigation system (these are often exempt from irrigation restrictions) 61

62 Specific Practices for Bedding Plants, Shrubs and Trees Irrigate trees and shrubs ONLY after they start to wilt Watch Indicator Plants for signs of wilting: Azalea Gardenia Hydrangea Dogwood Hibiscus Impatiens Japanese maple Trumpet tree (Datura) 62

63 DRASTIC MEASURES! Only irrigate plants upon severe wilting Remove weak or less desirable plants 63

64 DRASTIC MEASURES! Thin dense beds of plants (i.e., remove every other plant) Prune woody plants severely to reduce leaf area 64

65 DRASTIC MEASURES! Apply chemical wetting agents to areas of the landscape where the soil has become hydrophobic (water runs off rather than is absorbed by soil) 65

66 Summary Irrigate highly visible areas and droughtsensitive plants first Water when legal but irrigate deeply Use a rain shut-off device and check/repair the irrigation system Avoid practices that stimulate growth Keep weeds under control and watch for pests 66

67 Summary Irrigate turf, shrubs and trees only after wilting (watch indicator plants) Raise the mowing height Mow less frequently with a sharp blade Stop irrigating bahiagrass Enlarge beds and add mulch Avoid using overhead sprinklers Install a micro-irrigation system 67

68 DRASTIC MEASURES! -- Summary Only irrigate plants upon severe wilting Remove weak plants Thin dense beds of plants Prune severely to reduce leaf area Apply chemical wetting agents 68

69 Section 3 Coping and Recovering from Drought Part 2 Helping Landscapes Recover from Drought 69

70 Part 2 Helping Landscapes Recover from Drought Assess the Landscape What to look for Where to look for damage The right plant in the right place Surprises! What to Do Changing your landscape Plant care after a drought Long-term effects of drought Review your maintenance practices 70

71 What to Look for: General Plants and turf Irrigation system Note the locations and characteristics of problem areas 71

72 What to Look for: Specific Dead patches of grass Wilted or off-color foliage Poor or uneven growth Dead branches or plants Sudden death of an entire tree or shrub 72

73 Where to Look for Damage Marginal species Plants improperly sited Areas where plants were particularly stressed 73

74 The Right Plant in the Right Place Pay close attention to marginal plants for your area of the state 74

75 The Right Plant in the Right Place Marginal Plants for North Florida Plants too far south Some Cherries (Prunus species) Plants too far north Bottlebrush Queen palm Bougainvillea Tropicals 75

76 The Right Plant in the Right Place Marginal Plants for Central Florida Plants too far south Dogwood Saucer magnolia Redbud Fringe tree Plants too far north Tibouchina Tropicals 76

77 The Right Plant in the Right Place Marginal Plants for South Florida Plants too far south Camellias Azaleas Temperate deciduous fruits (apples, pears, and most peaches, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) bac be es) 77

78 The Right Plant in the Right Place Plants in the Wrong Places Pay close attention to plants that were improperly sited in the landscape Too dry Azaleas Too wet Pittosporum Too sunny Dogwood Azaleas Too shady Turf Improper soil ph -- Azaleas, blueberries, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass on alkaline soil 78

79 The Right Plant in the Right Place Plants in Stressful Sites Pay close attention to plants located in stressful sites Turf and plantings close to sidewalks, roads, etc. 79

80 The Right Plant in the Right Place Plants in Stressful Sites Plantings where roots were confined or restricted Raised beds Sidewalk cutouts Dense plantings Compacted soil Parking lot islands 80

81 The Right Plant in the Right Place Plants that Suffered Stress Pay close attention to plants that were particularly stressed Drought-sensitive plants Plants with shallow roots 81

82 The Right Plant in the Right Place Plants that Suffered Stress Recently-planted trees, shrubs and sod Plants that were overwatered prior to drought and water restrictions 82

83 The Right Plant in the Right Place Plants that Suffered Stress Irrigation zones with poor uniformity 83

84 Surprises! Some drought tolerant plants suddenly die or show injury after rain resumes (often in July/Aug) These plants usually have root damage/disease that was not evident during the drought High temperatures and full growth flushes increase transpirational water loss, and damaged root systems can t keep up 84

85 What to Do Change your landscape Care for drought-affected plants Know long-term effects of drought Review your maintenance practices 85

86 Decisions, Decisions! Change the landscape design? Change the irrigation system? Replace plants/turf? Cut back plants? Maintain landscape as usual? 86

87 Changing gthe Landscape Design Consider changing g the landscape design to incorporate more water-efficient i t features 87

88 Changing gthe Irrigation System To correct problems To incorporate more water-efficient features 88

89 Plant Replacement Turf Replace the entire lawn if more than 40% of the turfgrass is dead or severely damagedd Landscape Beds Consider replacing: Dead plants Significantly damaged plants Living, but aesthetically-challenged, plants 89

90 Plant Replacement Replacement may not be necessary in: Beds that were overplanted at installation Removal of dead plants provides space needed for the canopies and roots of remaining plants Damaged turf areas where turf is no longer appropriate due to shade or other factors that prevent proper growth 90

91 Plant Replacement If replacing plants Follow the Right Plant/Right Place rule Consider plants with greater drought tolerance Don t replace disease-killed plants with other susceptible plants 91

92 Plant Replacement If replacing plants, install them properly! 92

93 Plant Care after a Drought Pruning Remove dead branches from trees and shrubs Prune as needed for safety, plant health and aesthetics 93

94 Plant Care after a Drought Fertilization Considerations Most established trees and shrubs don t need fertilizer Use iron instead of nitrogen fertilizer to green up a lawn If you fertilize, remember nitrogen fertilizers will stimulate growth; avoid fertilizing until plants have fully recovered and root systems have regenerated e 94

95 Plant Care after a Drought Fertilization Considerations Fertilizer can be applied to plants needing to replace a significant ifi portion of their canopy or to new plants that need a growth boost to catch up in size to older plants Micronutrients may be applied to palms, tropical fruits and other plants showing these nutrient deficiencies 95

96 Long-Term Effects of Drought Signs of Residual Plant Stress Water sprouts and uneven growth 96

97 Long-Term Effects of Drought Signs of Residual Plant Stress Water sprouts/uneven growth Pests that move in on stressed plants Borers! Azalea leafminer Botryosphaeria and Hypoxylon cankers Armillaria and some other root rots 97

98 Long-Term Effects of Drought Signs of Residual Plant Stress Water sprouts and uneven growth Pests that move in on stressed plants Nutrient deficiencies 98

99 Long-Term Effects of Drought Signs of Residual Plant Stress Water sprouts and uneven growth Pests that t move in on stressed plants Nutrient deficiencies Early fall color Heavy flowering and/or fruiting 99

100 Long-Term Effects of Drought Signs of Residual Plant Stress Water sprouts and uneven growth Pests that t move in on stressed plants Nutrient t deficiencies i i Early fall color Heavy flowering and/or fruiting What do do if plants exhibit these symptoms Play detective to determine the cause and decide on a course of action (if the condition can be remedied) 100

101 Review Maintenance Practices Review and revise maintenance practices according to UF guidelines for plant health and water efficiency 101

102 Review Maintenance Practices Review and revise maintenance practices according to UF guidelines for plant health and water efficiency Mulch Irrigate and fertilize as needed Use slow-release fertilizers Practice IPM Mow high Recycle yard waste 102

103 Helping Landscapes Recover from Drought Assess the Landscape Know what to look for Know where to look The right plant in the right place Surprises! What to Do Changing your landscape Plant care after a drought Long-term effects of drought Review your maintenance practices 103

104 Water, Water, Everywhere? A Drought/Water Conservation Program Ed Drannbauer Gary Knox Carol Lehtola Charles Brown Water, Water, Everywhere? was produced in part with support from the United States Department of Agriculture (Award ). 104

Water Conservation in the Landscape

Water Conservation in the Landscape Bodie Pennisi, Extension landscape Specialist Landscape Best Management Practices Stages / Categories 1. Planning 2. Installation 3. Management BMP: Planning Stage Soil