Drought Tolerant, Low Input

1. Drought Tolerant, Low Input Turf TrialTony McCammon(University of Idaho Payette County Extension), Terry Finnerty (Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts/Payette SWCD) Funded By: Sustainable Agriculture, Research, Education grant through the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System Cooperators: - Living On The Land, UI Extension - USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service - Payette Soil and Water Conservancy District - Oregon Department of Transportation - Payette Valley Master Gardener Program Plot A THE FACTS: Why should I conserve water? • - The average rainfall for Southwestern Idaho is 12 inches of rain a year, equal to Tucson, Arizona. The average in the Mojave Desert is 6 inches. Seattle, Washington receives 37 inches a year on average. Fact, we live in a desert. • Kentucky bluegrass is the most used turfgrass in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. Kentucky bluegrass uses the most water of any turf grown in Idaho at 25 inches. Fact, the average urban homeowner and commercial business in Idaho water their lawns 50 to 80 inches a year. • -The average household uses 60% of its potable water outdoors. Since so much water is used on the landscape, this is the place to start making changes. Fact, the greatest societal water savings can be conserved through residential landscape water conservation. • Average Boise public water costs have climbed from $140 in 2000 to a current cost of $370. Fact, the average household can save over a third of their water costs through conservation practices. Plot B THE NEED: Purpose of this project -Develop optional water conserving turf and forage varieties for small acreage landowners, and non-agricultural landscapes be it residential, commercial, or public. -Provide weed control cover crops for small acreages with little potential for input. -Provide water quality improvements through reduced herbicide, fertilizer, and sediment in ground water and surface waters. -Provide soil conservation options for cover crop or inter-row plantings on small acreage land. THE RESEARCH: Project considerations Turf Species and Yearly Water Requirements: (1) ‘Sodar’ Streambank Wheatgrass, 9”-12”; (2) ‘Ephraim’ Crested Wheatgrass, 10”-16”; (3) ‘Hycrest’ Crested Wheatgrass, 9”-12”; (4) ‘Covar’ Sheep Fescue, 12”- 18”; (5) ‘Roadcrest’ Crested Wheatgrass, 9”-12”; (6) ‘Manchar’ Smooth Brome, 16”- 24”; (7) ‘Vavilov’ Siberian Wheatgrass, 9”-12”; (8) ‘Rosanna’ Western Wheatgrass, 14”- 20”; (9) ‘Park’ Kentucky Bluegrass, 18”- 20”. Three test sites were planted with eight different grass species including Kentucky bluegrass. Two areas (Sites A and B) have shown signs of successful establishment for all species tested. As the growing season progresses species will be evaluated for drought tolerance, percent ground cover, appearance, and weed exclusion. Plots in Site C were not as successful because of initial establishment problems, but one species, Siberian wheatgrass, has successfully established despite competition from weeds and less than ideal establishment conditions. For more information go to the nearby visitor information center for a complementary brochure, and cast your vote for the grass you like the best; or, call the University of Idaho Payette County Extension Horticulturist at 208-642-6022.