Content area
Full text
Abstract
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.
Water and chemical use in urbanized areas is significantly influenced by the desire for beautiful landscapes (Haley et al., 2007; Hipp et al., 1993). Improper irrigation and fertilization of ornamentals in urban landscapes may result in water quality degradation (e.g., eutrophication). Various best management practices (BMPs) have been developed and implemented in an effort to reduce environmental pollution and water consumption associated with urban landscapes. Recommended BMPs include fertilization practices, irrigation strategies, alternative landscape plant species (e.g., native ornamentals instead of turfgrass, plants requiring low water input), and structural features (e.g., swales, green roofs, rain gardens). However, the impacts of these BMPs on water consumption in and nutrient losses from urban landscapes have not been fully evaluated. Consequently, our objectives in this article are to 1) describe the current fertilizer and water use practices that are used by homeowners and landscape professionals; 2) summarize the research related to nutrient and water use by landscape plants; and 3) provide 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.
Nutrient and water management practices for landscape ornamentals
The nutrient and water management practices of homeowners and commercial landscape professionals are difficult to quantify. Most of the available information about water and nutrient use on landscape ornamentals plants has been gathered using surveys. It is important to understand that results from surveys conducted outside of Florida may not represent fertilizer and water use by Florida homeowners and landscape professionals.
Homeowners.
A survey of Florida residents from 23 counties (who had not received information or training related to landscape management practices from the Florida Cooperative Extension Service) was conducted...