Three New Brochures from Texas Water Savers:
Reprinted from Texas Water Savers (news of water conservation and reuse in Texas,
Vol. 6, No. 2 Spring, 2000), a publication of Texas Agricultural Extension Service, and Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Texas WaterWise Council has published the first three in a planned series of brochures on waterwise irrigation and landscaping practices.

Irrigation Best Management Practices, Landscape Improvements: Soil, Mulch, and Maintenance, and Lawn Maintenance Best Management Practices are available in downloadable portable document format on the Council’s web site, and in hard copy from the Council, (512) 280-5182.

Written for the consumer, Irrigation Best Management Practices includes a checklist of recommended installation practices for irrigation systems. For water-use efficiency, consumers should expect installation of shut-off valves or moisture sensors and installation of low-volume irrigation in narrow or irregular-shaped areas. Consumers should expect an as-built plan and design performance report.

The guide also lists hints for efficient water use, such as hydrozoning and system maintenance. Benefits to the home-owner round out the brochure’s message: being water-wise is a win-win proposition, as plants and turf are healthier if watered in accordance with their needs, turfgrass and ornamentals develop deeper root systems with proper watering, and proper irrigation discourages run-off.

Soil, mulch, and maintenance form the healthy trio of landscape improvements. A minimum 6-inch high-quality soil incorporating organic material has enhanced moisture-holding ability and provides important nutrients. Mulches moderate soil temperature, slow soil evaporation, and hinder weed growth. Over-fertilization causes plants to require increased mowing and irrigation.

When mowing turf, no more than one-third of the leaf-blade length should be removed. Clippings left on the lawn shade the soil and return valuable nutrients. A healthy, dense turf is the best weed control measure.

This article appeared in Horticulture Update, November/December 2000, produced by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas.