Our local waste agency, Yamhill County Solid Waste, recently sent out a "Renewsletter" with lists of resources and lots of tips for preventing waste and preerving environmental quality. Among those tips were tips on saving water with regards to lawns. Lawns take far more water than most crops. They also use far more chemicals than most farmers use for a similar space. The end result is lots of water carrying lots of chemicals off the lawn and into storm drains - not a good situation. It also wastes water,the most used commodity on earth and one of which there is a limited supply. Here are the tips:
1. Raise Blades. Keeping your mower blade at three to four inches high allows your grass to grow deeper roots to compete better with weeds. It allows you to water less because it has better temperature tolerance. It also prevents erosion.
2. Grasscycle. Leave your clippings on the lawn to nourish the soil. It is a natural fertilizer and helps the lawn retain moisture.
3. Sharpen your lawnmower blades. Sharp blade make clean cuts. Your lawn will look better (no brown tips) and it will stressed less.
4. Clean up. Fertilizers and other waste should be cleaned up so they don't end up in the storm sewer system.
5. Me Moderate. Don't apply fertilizers and other phosphorous-containing materials unless the lawn needs it. Consult a local expert.
6. Leave clover. Clover is a helpful nitrogen fixer. It helps create a dense turf.
7. Water smart. Water only when necessary. Deep soak to help develop root structure.Water in the cool part of the day to avoid evaporation (late night or early morning).
For more information on this subject, I recommend the following sites:
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