Page 11 - Landscape-Issue159

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

How the field study worked longer to establish and recovers more slowly 20 mm, 15 mm and an additional 8 mm
The research team monitored turfgrass after winter dormancy. Understanding level, applied consistently every Monday
under four irrigation levels, with each these characteristics is essential for effective through to May 2026.
irrigation level applied twice per week turf management planning. By maintaining current nozzle sizes,
for growth and yield, turf height, soil excluding the 5 mm treatment and
moisture levels, visual quality and seasonal • Rainfall effects are delayed incorporating detailed visual assessments
performance. The following measurements One particularly interesting finding was that of turf condition, this phase will strengthen
were used as a guideline: 5mm per week, rainfall affects turf growth up to two weeks understanding of how turfgrass responds
15mm per week, 20mm per week and later. This means irrigation schedules can under real-world conditions, particularly
25mm per week (traditional industry often be delayed after rainfall, potentially across seasonal shifts and during the
guideline). saving additional water. dormant period.
The emphasis on deep watering is
Key findings Industry insights from the survey expected to encourage stronger root
• 20 mm per week is the optimal irrigation The survey of homeowners and green development, improved drought resilience
level. industry professionals revealed several and more efficient water use overall.
One of the most important outcomes is trends: Importantly, the outcomes of this phase
that 20 mm of irrigation per week provided • Kikuyu remains the most popular lawn will directly inform the development
the best overall growth and turf quality for species in Gauteng; of targeted educational materials for
both species. This finding challenges the • most homeowners irrigate lawns using both green industry professionals and
long-standing 25 mm irrigation guideline municipal water; homeowners, bridging the gap between
commonly used in landscaping. Reducing • industry professionals tend to use multi- research and everyday practice.
irrigation by 5 mm per week represents a ple water sources; A key focus will be reducing unnec-
significant water saving across thousands • many homeowners lack detailed knowl- essary irrigation, especially for Kikuyu
of landscapes. edge about turf species and irrigation during winter dormancy, while equip-
practices; ping the industry with practical tools to
• Very low irrigation is not sustainable • emotional preferences, such as the influence customer behaviour through
The research confirmed that 5 mm per desire for a green lawn all year round, informed recommendations, better com-
week is insufficient to maintain acceptable often influence watering behaviour. munication and demonstration of sus-
turf quality under the following conditions: These insights highlight the importance tainable alternatives.
turf growth was significantly reduced, lawn of education and awareness campaigns. Ultimately, the way forward lies in
texture became coarse or sparse, weed reinforcing collaboration between the
growth increased, colour and density Looking ahead Water Wise programme and the green
declined. The transition into Phase 3 of the Kikuyu industry, ensuring that evidence-based
and Cynodon research marks a critical irrigation practices become the norm.
• Cynodon performs well with less water step in translating scientific findings into By aligning research insights with
Once fully established, Cynodon showed practical, industry-wide change. Building user-friendly guidance and awareness
strong performance under lower irrigation on the confirmed efficiency of 20 mm per initiatives, the sector can play a leading
levels, often matching or outperforming week, Phase 3 will further refine irrigation role in safeguarding water resources while
Kikuyu at 20 mm per week. However, the recommendations by introducing deep, maintaining high quality, functional and
research also found that Cynodon takes once-weekly watering regimes at 25 mm, attractive landscapes. n

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Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 159 2025 9