Ft Collins Soil Amendment Final Report

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. Use soil moisture sensors. These are relatively inexpensive solid.state devices that will automatically shut- down irrigation when a pre-set level of soil moisture is reached, whether due to irrigation or rainfall. When the soil has sufficiently dried out, the irrigation schedule is resumed. . Most existing irrigation controllers. have manual rain switches that allow for the shutting down of irrigation after a significant rainfall, without losing the controller's irrigation schedule. Use this rain switch to save water. Alternatively, a rain sensor can be installed that will automatically shut-down irrigation after a pre-set amount of precipitation has occurred. . Keep your system maintained. Routinely, such as once per week, run through the irrigation cycle with one or two minutes per zone. Look for damaged or maladjusted heads, misting or clogged nozzles, inadequate coverage, or leaks of any kind. Resolve any problem. as necessary. If unable to do so yourself, contact an irrigation specialist for advice or repairs. PLANT SELECTION: . Kentucky bluegrass requires the greatest amount of irrigation--approximately 25 inches in an average year--in a typical landscape. Consider limiting the amount of turfgrass to only high-use areas. Also, consider using turf-type tall fescue instead of Kentucky bluegrass. It is of equal quality to Kentucky bluegrass, but requires only 60 to 70% of the water. . Buffalograss, blue grama, and crested wheatgrass are native grasses that can provide a very low water-use and low maintenance alternative. Although they will not produce the same high quality turf as the three grasses mentioned above. they can be appropriate for certain applications. . There is a.wide variety of attractive trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and perennials that are low water-requiring. Visit the Fort Collins Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at 300 W. Laporte for specific suggestions. -. MAINTENANCE: . Mulch around trees and shrubs to minimize evaporation from the soil. Mulches are also effective in deterring weed growth. Organic mulches will improve the soil as they decompose. . Thin out crowded trees. shrubs, and groundcover. . Turf: . Fertilize enough, but not too much. Contact local nurseries or the Cooperative Extension Service for specific reconunendations. . Adjust your mower to 2-1/2 inches or higher. This will reduce the soil's temperature. help retain moisture. and initiate a deeper root system. . Mow often enough that you are never removing more than 1/3 of the blade. . Keep your mower blade sharpened. . Aerate your soil on a regular basis, usually once or twice per year. This allows organic matter to be incorporated into the soil and reduces water runoff. . De-thatch your lawn if the thatch is greater than 112 inch thick. . Control disease, insect, and weed problems, as they can increase the need for watering.