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A healthy lawn using less water? UF/IFAS in Central FL can show you how

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From UF/IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension agents across Central Florida have a new webinar series launching July 1 that teaches residents how to conserve water while making the most of their lawns.

What influences when and how people decide to water their lawn? UF/IFAS research says that the decision is heavily influenced by what those around us do when it comes to their lawns, but there is a real science behind when and how we should water for healthier lawns and improved water conservation.

This summer, UF/IFAS Extension agents across Central Florida will host free weekly webinars aimed to help residents maintain a healthy lawn and conserve one of Florida’s most valuable resources, water. Topics include irrigation scheduling, reclaimed water, landscape and turfgrass maintenance and micro-irrigation. Webinars will take place via Zoom every Thursday at 2 p.m. between July 1 and August 19.

“The average residential irrigation cycle consumes several thousand gallons of water during each irrigation event,” said Yilin Zhuang, UF/IFAS Extension Central District water resources regional specialized agent. “Water conservation has become a major concern for Florida as the water demand increases and the available supply per capita decreases.”

More than 60% of the potable water used by the public is used in a residential setting according to a recent U.S. Geological Survey report. This public supply category is responsible for the largest single portion of all groundwater withdrawal in Florida. The public uses more groundwater than both the agriculture and industrial categories.

“Overwatering the lawn and landscape is a common mistake many homeowners make,” Zhuang said. “Many irrigation systems leave ‘dead spots’ in the lawn due to poor design, which results in over-irrigation efforts to keep the entire lawn healthy. These webinars will give tips that help keep your lawn health while also reducing water consumption.”

“The Central Florida Water Initiative, a collaborative water supply planning effort among three of the largest water management districts and other organizations, predicts by 2035 there will be a potential need and deficiency of 250 million gallons per day,” said Tina McIntyre, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent. “With that prediction about the future of water in our area, water conservation and protection are paramount. With so much of home water use taking place in the landscape, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is the solution and we can all take part.”

To register or for more information, visit the UF/IFAS event blog page.

 

Apopka UF/ IFAS Location

UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

2725 S. Binion Rd.

Apopka, FL 32703

Phone: (407)410-6961

Email: lfelter@ufl.edu

Hours: Every Tuesday 1pm - 4pm, excluding holidays.

 

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

Conservation, Environment, Irrigation, Lawn Care, tips, UF/IFAS Extension Office, Water, Webinars

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