Plant Talk |
CAUTION:The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to Harnett County, NC and may not apply in other areas.
BETTER WATER QUALITY STARTS IN YOUR FRONT YARD, 12/20/96
All of us are concerned about water quality. The impact of agriculture and industry are being closely scrutinized. However, in the spirit of "think globally, act locally", it is important to consider the impact of our own landscaping and gardening activities. I'm not simply talking about "saving the earth". Practices to protect water quality will also save you time, money, and keep your lawn and gardens healthier and more beautiful.
Fertilizers and pesticides, if used improperly, can have a negative impact on water quality. Since there are approximately one million acres of home lawns in North Carolina, it is easy to see the collective impact that individual citizens have. For example, the nitrogen found in a bag of 10-10-10 can end up as nitrate in the groundwater. Nitrates in drinking water can cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants under six months old. This is a concern for people that get their drinking water from wells.
When you fertilize your lawn or garden, do you guess at the amount to apply? Do you know the best time to apply? If you are guessing, there is a good chance you are applying too much or at a time when the plants do not need it. That excess fertilizer has to go somewhere, and the groundwater is a potential target. Soil testing is the only way to be sure (oh no, he's not harping on that again, is he?). The report you get back from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture will tell you the exact fertilizer amounts and timing for your plants and in your soil. And your plants will be happier if given the proper diet. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service can also provide information on fertilizer amounts and timing for particular plants.
Pesticides are a valuable tool for home gardeners. The key is to use the proper pesticide at the correct rate and timing. A herbicide, for example, kills weeds, not insects or disease organisms.
The first and most important step is to identify the problem. Once the problem is identified, the correct control measure can be taken. For example, a given insecticide will only work against certain insects. Timing is also important. Many insects, for example, are much easier to control at the immature stage. You may be able to get by with a less toxic chemical, or simply remove them by hand before the population builds up too high. How do you identify the problem and the correct control method? The Extension Service can help. Call me and I will try to help you identify the problem. If I am unable to, then we can send a sample to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at North Carolina State University.
Home gardeners can also protect water supplies in other ways. The use of mulch prevents soil erosion and reduces irrigation needs. Irrigation timing and amounts should not be left to guesswork. Identify the needs of the plant to avoid wasting water. When adding to your landscape, select plants that are drought tolerant, and resistant to common insect and disease problems. The Extension Service can provide you with resources to help you make these decisions.
If each of us does our part, we can protect our valuable water resources for generations to come.
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