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USING BLUE DYE MARKING TECHNIQUE TO ILLUSTRATE WATER AND NUTRIENT MOVEMENT THROUGH SANDY SOILS TO LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS AND HOMEOWNERS

Extension Education

Wendy Wilber
EXTENSION AGENT III ENVIR HORT
University of Florida IFAS
GAINESVILLE

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In Florida Friendly Landscaping™ programs horticulture agents stress the principle “Water Efficiently” to landscape professionals and homeowners. This principle teaches residents to conserve water and protect the environment from non-point source pollution through run off and leaching of plant nutrients. Current University of Florida/IFAS recommendations call for ½ inch-¾ inch of irrigation water per application.  Calibration of irrigation systems and sprinklers is strongly encouraged so users know how much water is being applied to turf of landscapes.  Often clients do not calibrate their systems and guesstimate and the amount of water being applied. As a result of viewing the blue dye demonstration in a landscape setting 90% of homeowners report they will adopt appropriate irrigation amount to conserve water and prevent nutrient runoff and leaching and 90% will calibrate their irrigation system.  METHODS: A water soluble spray pattern indicator blue dye demonstration was done with landscape professionals and homeowners to illustrate how water and nutrients move through our soils.  RESULTS: All the participants (n=50) responded that the demonstration made an impact on their understanding of water movement in Florida's sandy soils. And 100% (n=50) reported that they would calibrate their irrigation systems to apply ½ to ¾ inch to make certain they were irrigating appropriately and to ensure the water applied was within the root zone of their turf or landscape plants. CONCLUSIONS: Visually demonstrating water movement in landscape soils convinces landscapers to adopt efficient irrigation methods, and to calibrate their irrigation systems.  

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: W. Wilber, A. GAZULA
  1. Wilber, W. EXTENSION AGENT III ENVIR HORT, University of Florida/IFAS, Florida, 32609
  2. GAZULA, A. EXTENSION AGENT II HORTICULTURE, University of Florida IFAS, Florida, 32609