WISER Participants' Practices Enhance Water Quality and Quantity
Extension Education
Lisa Sanderson
Residential Horticulture Extension Agent
UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County
Bushnell
Abstract
Background. Florida, including Sumter County, faces challenges related to fragile water resources, where overuse and negative impacts on surface and groundwater can detrimentally affect overall water resource health. The Floridan Aquifer, supplying about 90% of drinking water, is at risk of depletion and degradation due to inefficient irrigation practices and irresponsible pesticide and fertilizer usage. According to Southwest Florida Water Management District, “The majority of the freshwater supply comes … most commonly from the Florida Aquifer. According to Bloomburg, The Villages is considered to be the largest retirement community in the world and is still expanding considerably in Sumter County. The newest Villages residents can lead to impacts on water resources through over irrigation, and pesticide and fertilizer practices. Methods. Each third Tuesday, the two-hour WISER Lawns and Landscapes workshop is offered to new Villages residents in two locations. Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer participant questions. Participants receive a copy of the Florida Friendly LandscapingTM Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design and a WISER Lawns Factsheet to provide resources promote saving water quality and quantity through proper best management practices. Results. Selected respondent results include 77% (n=53) adjust irrigation run times based on seasonal weather changes. 52% (n=37) reduced irrigation from 3 days per week to 2 days per week during the growing season. 34% (n=24) Calibrated their irrigation system to deliver 1/2” to 3/4” of water each time irrigating. 54% did not fertilize in the winter month. 49% (32) will read and follow pesticide labels before applying the product. Conclusion. Participant changes in water saving practices led to a savings of 6,026,308 gallons of water. Their continued practices will also lead to reduced irrigation expense though efficient watering, and protection of water resources through fertilizing appropriately and managing pests responsibly.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Lisa Sanderson
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Sanderson, L. Residential Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County, Florida, 33513