Watering Efficiently Saving a Valuable Natural Resource有效地节约了宝贵的自然资源.pptVIP

Watering Efficiently Water Use In Florida Despite our location in the rainy southeast, Florida ranks high in several categories of water use Domestic-1st Mining-2nd Public-4th Irrigation-11th Plants Need Water… What Can I Do? Right plant, right place Choose low maintenance plants and natives Group plants according to their water needs Use mulch Water Use Efficiency Uncontrollable Factors Temperature Precipitation Sunlight Wind Soil texture Drainage Water quality Local water restrictions Controllable Factors Plant selection Plant placement Soil structure Mulching Irrigation Maintenance practices Human Tolerance Education Functional Turf Areas Functional Landscaped Beds Drought Tolerant Turf Selecting Drought Tolerant Turf Selecting Drought Tolerant Turf Maintenance Guidelines for Drought Tolerant Turfgrass Never mow grass that needs water Never mow wet grass Keep blade sharp Clean cuts heal quickly and reduce water loss Mow lawn at the highest setting Turfgrass Maintenance Landscape Maintenance 2-3 inches of mulch in plant beds Improves water infiltration Reduces storm water runoff Reduces evaporation Prevents erosion Controls weeds Minimize pruning When Do I Water? Early morning or evening Temperature is cool and wind is calm 40% - 60% of water applied evaporates in the afternoon sun! SWFWMD mandates: How Much? Apply ? to ? inch water per application Soak soil thoroughly to promote a deeper, more drought tolerant root system Measure It How Often? Watering Tips Learn to recognize when plants need water In the heat of midday, some plants wilt. No amount of water will change this. If the plant is still wilted by evening, water it then. Water “As Needed” Too much of a good thing? Irrigation Systems Calibrate the sprinkler system Install a rain shut-off device** Have your sprinkler system “tuned up” yearly Replace worn hose and faucet washers Efficient Irrigation Separate lawn zones from lands