Over the years I've been to many workshops and seminars that are centered around the belief that organic turf care can in the long run save water, cost less to maintain. Over the last two years we put these theories to the test. It wasn't that I did not believe what I heard but I needed to have something more tangible, measurable.
In summary, in 2015 during an irrigation system audit, we measured the flow of water (gallons per minute) from an irrigation system in a lawn we had been applying organic turf care practices over several years (e.g. core aeration, compost topdressing, mineral supplementation, carbon supplementation, premium organic fertilizer). Beginning in 2015, continuing with organic turf care, with the cooperation of the homeowners (they were very cooperative and flexible with our testing) we began using best irrigation practices with regard to water scheduling. We had a goal of keeping more water directed at the soil and less running off the lawn and into the street. That prevents over-watering and many other associated problems in the suburban lawn. The results? July 2016 the lawn was as healthy and green as it was in 2015 but with 6,544 less gallons of water!
We now have proof of our own that when best organic turf care practices are combined with best irrigation practices, the results are beneficial for the homeowner and we can say the cost of ownership can become less over time.
Facts:
Picture below taken July 9, 2015
Average Temperature for zip code of neighborhood for July = 94*
Minimum Temperature for zip code of neighborhood for July = 73*
Precipitation as of July 9, 2015 for zip code of neighborhood = 0"*
*Information supplied by Weather Underground
Facts:
Picture below taken July 22, 2016
Average Temperature for zip code of neighborhood for July = 94*
Minimum Temperature for zip code of neighborhood for July = 75*
Precipitation as of July 9, 2015 for zip code of neighborhood = .10"*
*Information supplied by Weather Underground
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