scholarly journals 281 Water Use in Herbaceous Landscape Plants

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 490F-491
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Paul ◽  
Greg L. Davis ◽  
Garald L. Horst ◽  
Steven N. Rodie
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Visual Quality ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Schizachyrium Scoparium ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Little Bluestem ◽  
Landscape Plants ◽  
Dry Down ◽  
Water Use Rates

Water conservation in a landscape is an important issue because periodic water shortages are common in many regions of the world. This increases the importance of specifying landscape plants that require less water and matching the plant to site microclimates. Our objectives were to establish water-use rates for three herbaceous landscape plants and to determine the level of water reduction these plants can tolerate while maintaining both visual and landscape quality. Water use rates were determined for Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem), Hosta spp. (Hosta) and Festuca cinerea `Dwarf' (Dwarf blue fescue) in studies using pot lysimeters at the Univ. of Nebraska Horticulture Research Greenhouse facility. Each lysimeter was watered to saturation, allowed to drain to field capacity, and weighed. The lysimeters were weighed again 24 h later, and the process was repeated to determine daily evapotranspiration. Results indicated that hosta used less water than dwarf blue fescue and little bluestem. In a subsequent study to compare the relative effects of withholding irrigation among these species, seven groups of five replicates of each species were grown in 1 peat: 0.33 vermiculite: 0.66 soil: 1 sand (by volume) in 7.6-L containers. Each container was watered to saturation, allowed to drain for 24 h to reach field capacity, and allowed to dry down in 10-day increments. Results of the dry-down study indicated that little bluestem maintained the best visual quality for the longest duration of drought, followed by dwarf blue fescue and hosta in decreasing order of visual quality.

scholarly journals Nitrogen and Light Affect Water Use and Water Use Efficiency of Zoysiagrass Genotypes Differing in Canopy Structure

HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Erickson ◽  
Kevin E. Kenworthy
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Canopy Structure ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Daily Evapotranspiration ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use Rates

Irrigation of residential lawns represents one of the major uses of potable water in many regions. An increased understanding of physiological responses underlying effects of turfgrass genotypes and management practices on water use rates and water use efficiencies could contribute to water conservation. Thus, we evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization (0.0 and 2.5 g·m−2) and light environment (full sun and 50% shade) on average daily evapotranspiration (ETAVE), daily ET per unit leaf area (ETLA), carbon exchange rate (CER), and water use efficiency (WUE) in upright (experimental TAES 5343-22) and prostrate (‘Empire’) zoysiagrasses (Zoysia japonica Steud.) during two repeated trials. Across all treatments, ETAVE was 4.0 and 5.4 mm·d−1 during Trials 1 and 2, respectively. In the upright-growing genotype, ETAVE was ≈10% greater than the prostrate genotype during Trial 1. Nitrogen fertilization increased water use by ≈20% compared with non-fertilized pots. However, N fertilization reduced ETLA and increased WUE. Thus, ETAVE was positively related with WUE. As a result, there was a tradeoff between ETAVE and WUE, indicating that efforts to achieve reductions in water use through low N fertilization or genotypes can be accomplished, but in some cases at the expense of using water less efficiently to assimilate carbon for plant growth processes. In turfgrass, reductions in growth and WUE might be acceptable to minimize water use, but vigor and quality need to be maintained.

scholarly journals Balancing Landscape Preferences and Water Conservation in a Desert Community

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane E. Spinti ◽  
Rolston St. Hilaire ◽  
Dawn VanLeeuwen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Desert Plants ◽  
Property Value ◽  
Desert Environment ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Residential Landscapes ◽  
Landscape Water ◽  
Willingness To Use

We surveyed homeowners with residential landscapes in Las Cruces, N.M., to determine design features participants valued in their landscapes, their attitudes toward the landscape use of desert plants and opinions on factors that would encourage respondents to reduce landscape water use. We also determined whether the willingness to use desert plants in their landscapes related to the length of residency in the southwestern United States. At least 98% of respondents landscaped to enhance the appearance of their home and increase their property value. About half (50.6%) of the participants strongly agreed or agreed that the main reason to landscape was to display their landscape preferences. Many participants indicated they would use desert plants to landscape their front yard (80.3%) and back yard (56.3%), but relatively lower percentages of participants actually had desert landscapes in their front yard and back yard. Regardless of their property value, respondents were more likely to use desert plants in their backyard the shorter their stay in the desert. Data revealed that participants rank water shortages as the factor that would most likely cause them to reduce the amount of water they applied to their landscapes. We conclude that homeowners report willingness to use desert plants but desert-type landscapes are not a widespread feature of managed residential landscapes. Furthermore, water shortages and the length of time respondents spent in a desert environment would most likely influence water use in their landscapes.

Effects of soil moisture and soil sterilization on vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and growth of little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 757-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa J. Cerligione ◽  
Anthony E. Liberta ◽  
Roger C. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Schizachyrium Scoparium ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Little Bluestem ◽  
Unsterilized Soil ◽  
Mycorrhizal Plants ◽  
Copper Aluminum ◽  
Moisture Conditions

Nonmycorrhizal little-bluestem plants grown in sterile soil and mycorrhizal plants grown in unsterilized soil were experimentally subjected to varied soil moisture conditions that ranged from saturation for 12 h followed by drainage for 48 h to allowing soil to dry to permanent wilting point and returning it to field capacity 72 h later. Nonmycorrhizal plants produced significantly (p < 0.05) greater root and shoot biomass, had lower root/shoot ratios, and produced more flowering culms than mycorrhizal plants. However, mycorrhizal plants had significantly higher tissue concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, aluminum, and sodium and lower concentrations of potassium amd manganese. There was a decrease in percent colonization as soil water availability decreased.

scholarly journals Ornamental Grasses Show Minimal Response to Cultural Inputs

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mack Thetford ◽  
Gary W. Knox ◽  
Edwin R. Duke
Keyword(s):  
Warm Season ◽  
Schizachyrium Scoparium ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Miscanthus Sinensis ◽  
Supplemental Irrigation ◽  
Central Park ◽  
Little Bluestem ◽  
Landscape Plants ◽  
Pennisetum Alopecuroides ◽  
Plot Design

Full sun trial gardens were established at two sites in northern Florida. Six U.S. native and three non-native warm season grass species were evaluated in a split-plot design. Only eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), elliott's lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii), gulf hairawn muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and ‘Central Park' maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis) showed a significant response to supplemental irrigation or fertilization. Supplemental irrigation did not influence foliage height for any of the grasses, whereas supplemental fertilization influenced foliage height only for chinese fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides). The response differences between locations were attributed in part to soil types. This study observed minimal or no response of shoot growth to supplemental irrigation or fertilization for the grass species tested, thereby affirming the broad adaptability and minimal need for inputs for these ornamental landscape plants.

scholarly journals Management of Fertilizers and Water for Ornamental Plants in Urban Landscapes: Current Practices and Impacts on Water Resources in Florida

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. Shober ◽  
Geoffrey C. Denny ◽  
Timothy K. Broschat
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Rapid Population Growth ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Quality Degradation ◽  
Landscape Plants ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Water Use Practices

Rapid population growth and urbanization in Florida have increased the number of urban landscapes that receive fertilization and irrigation. Consequently, maintenance of these landscapes may contribute to water shortages and water quality degradation. This article 1) describes the current fertilizer and water use practices that are used by homeowners and landscape professionals; 2) summarizes the research related to nutrient and water use by landscape plants; and 3) provides an overview of the critical issues that should be considered as we evaluate the need for improved management of water and nutrients in urban landscapes.

Identifying Native Prairie Grass Seedlings

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 450e-451
Author(s):  
Virginia A. Gaynor ◽  
Mary Hockenberry Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Schizachyrium Scoparium ◽  
Sorghastrum Nutans ◽  
Native Prairie ◽  
Switch Grass ◽  
Little Bluestem ◽  
Prairie Grass ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Prairie Restorations ◽  
Sideoats Grama

There is great interest in prairie gardens and prairie restorations in the central United States. Small prairie gardens are often established with plugs, but most restorationists and landscape contractors use seed for large plantings. If initial establishment is poor, restorations are often interseeded the second or third season. However, to evaluate early establishment and determine if interseeding is necessary, contractors must be able to identify native grasses in the seedling and juvenile stages. In this study we investigated vegetative characteristics of native prairie grass seedlings. Seven species of native prairie grass were grown in the greenhouse: Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem), Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass), Panicum virgatum (switch grass), Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem), Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama), Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye), and Bromus kalmii (Kalmís brome). Every 2 to 3 weeks after germination, seedlings were photographed, pressed, and mounted. Additional photographs were taken through the dissecting scope at key stages of development. Ligules and auricles were found to be useful in distinguishing species, and our close-up photographs highlight these structures. Hairiness and color were variable within a species and could not be used reliably in identification. A seedling identification key will be presented for the species studied.

The implications of climate change on residential water use: a micro-scale analysis of Portland (OR), USA

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Shandas ◽  
Meenakshi Rao ◽  
Moriah McSharry McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Residential Water Use ◽  
Residential Water

Social and behavioral research is crucial for securing environmental sustainability and improving human living environments. Although the majority of people now live in urban areas, we have limited empirical evidence of the anticipated behavioral response to climate change. Using empirical data on daily household residential water use and temperature, our research examines the implications of future climate conditions on water conservation behavior in 501 households within the Portland (OR) metropolitan region. We ask whether and how much change in ambient temperatures impact residential household water use, while controlling for taxlot characteristics. Based on our results, we develop a spatially explicit description about the changes in future water use for the study region using a downscaled future climate scenario. The results suggest that behavioral responses are mediated by an interaction of household structural attributes, and magnitude and temporal variability of weather parameters. These findings have implications for the way natural resource managers and planning bureaus prepare for and adapt to future consequences of climate change.

A 2050 Vision for Colorado's water supply future

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Rowan ◽  
E. Hecox ◽  
S. Morea
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Colorado River ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
The State ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Water Projects ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Local Water

The last decade has brought many changes to Colorado's water supply outlook. Despite the recent economic recession, the state has experienced significant population growth, and Colorado's population is expected to nearly double within the next 40 years. Other pressures on Colorado's water supply include severe drought, a desire to meet multiple needs (i.e., municipal, environmental, recreational) with existing resources, and impacts to agriculture due to water shortages, urbanization, and transfers to new users. To address these challenges, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has undertaken a visioning process to explore solutions to these future water supply challenges. As part of this process, CWCB has led the state in identifying demand and supply strategies to meet the state's future water needs while considering agriculture and the environment. These strategies have been combined into varying portfolios that include methods such as conservation, local water projects, new Colorado River development, and agricultural transfers. This paper details the development and evaluation of these portfolios and describes stakeholder's efforts to balance meeting Colorado's water needs in the future.

Water Requirements and Conservation Alternatives for Northern Communities

1983 ◽  
Vol 15 (S2) ◽  
pp. 65-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
B C Armstrong ◽  
D W Smith ◽  
J J Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Economic Aspects ◽  
Water Requirements ◽  
Rate Structure ◽  
Individual Household

This paper reviews water requirements and the alternatives for water conservation in small, relatively remote northern communities. Requirements are examined in terms of basic needs and desires for sanitation from an individual household and a community perspective. Presented are factors which influence water use such as the method of delivery, household plumbing, socio-economic aspects, rate structure, climate and plumbing codes. Similarly, factors which influence water conservation are identified. Outlined in detail are current methods of reducing water use within the northern household.

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