"Optimal watering for warm season grasses is 60% of the CIMIS referenced evapotranspiration rate and it is 80% of the evapotranspiration rate for cool season grasses," said Dr. Vic Gibeault, "To our surprise we found the grass still looked great when watered at significantly under the optimal watering rate. Cool season grasses need only 80% of their optimal rate and warm season grasses can maintain their appearance at 60% of optimal watering. The only side effect was slower growth."

On another note, research by Greg Jorgensen and Kenneth Solomon of California State University, Fresno, Center for Irrigation Technology, has found subsurface irrigation of turf can also be effective. The old worry was that roots might grow into the drippers and clog them, but Jorgensen and Solomon found ways to prevent root intrusion. When turf can be successfully drip irrigated, then landscape architects will be able to take advantage of the landscape water sources of the future - recycled and gray water. For the complete results of the study call 209-278-2066.