Page 10 - Landscape-Issue159

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

STRENTHENING COLLABORATION

WITH THE GREEN INDUSTRY

Insights from the Kikuyu and Cynodon Water Use Research

or decades, South Africa’s green
industry has played a vital role in
Fcreating resilient, liveable cities.
Landscapes, parks, sports fields and
residential gardens provide ecological,
social and economic benefits, from
reducing stormwater runoff to cooling
urban environments and improving
biodiversity.
Recognising the importance of this
sector, Rand Water, through its Water Wise
programme, continues to work closely with
landscape professionals, municipalities,
researchers and turf producers to promote
responsible and sustainable water use. One
of the most significant recent collaborations
has been the Kikuyu and Cynodon Turfgrass
Water Use Study, conducted in partnership
with researchers from University of South
Africa (UNISA). This research provides
valuable new insights into how much water
turfgrass needs, and how the industry can
maintain healthy landscapes while using
water more efficiently.
Why turfgrass research matters
Urban lawns are often misunderstood,
yet globally they are one of the most
common components of urban green
infrastructure, covering 50–70% of green
space in many cities. However, increasing
pressure on water resources, combined
with climate variability, means the
industry must continually adapt irrigation
practices to remain sustainable. This is
particularly important in Gauteng, where
Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) and
Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) are
among the most widely used turf species.
The research was led by Elise von Staden,
lecturer at UNISA, together with Dr Miranda
Deutschlander and supporting researchers.
The field trials were conducted at
Evergreen Turf’s premises in Johannesburg,
with support from Rand Water. The aim
of the research is to provide practical,
evidence-based information that the
industry can use to manage turfgrass more
efficiently, while conserving water.
The study was designed around two
primary goals - determining turf water
requirements and understanding water
use perceptions. In the first instance,
researchers measured how different
irrigation levels affect the growth, yield and
quality of Kikuyu and Cynodon turf. In the
second instance, an online survey examined
how homeowners and green industry
professionals perceive lawn irrigation and
water use.

8 Landscape SA • Issue 159 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za