bay-wise gardening ( water quality issues in the landscape: what can i do to solve the problem?)
TRANSCRIPT
The University of Maryland is equal opportunity. The University’s policies, programs, and activities are The University of Maryland is equal opportunity. The University’s policies, programs, and activities are
in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended: Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended: Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Director of Personnel/Human Relations, Office of the Dean, requirements should be directed to the Director of Personnel/Human Relations, Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742.College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742.
University of Maryland Extension
(UME)• The College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
is part of UMCP and UMES• Our college has three parts:
– Undergraduate and Graduate Instruction– Agricultural Experiment Station (AES)– University of Maryland Extension (UME)
• UME has offices in all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City and at 4 Research and Education Centers
Major UME Programs
• Agriculture and Natural Resources– Production Ag/Commercial Horticulture– Home Horticulture (HGIC)
• Maryland Master Gardener – Bay-Wise Program– Natural Resources & Water Quality
• Maryland Master Naturalist
• Family and Consumer Science– Food, Nutrition & Health education– Financial education
• 4-H Youth Development
Gardening Questions?
• Contact the
Maryland residents call:
(800) 342-2507 – M-F, 8-1 or 24/7
www.hgic.umd.edu
Out of state call 410-531-1757
The Bay is Economically Important
Photo of harvest scene
(webpage electronic photo image, Kate Naughten, CBPO;
35 mm slide, CBPO)
Economy
The Bay is Important for Recreation and
Tourismphoto of recreational use scene
(webpage electronic photo image, EPA;
35 mm slide, Steve Delaney, for EPA)
Recreation
The Bay Provides Important Habitat for
Wildlifephoto of habitat scene with wildlife
(webpage electronic photo image, EPA;
35 mm slide, USFWS)
Natural Habitat
Where Does the Bay Start?
• photo of person near creek or culvert in residential area
• (photo, CBPO)
What Are the Pollutants That We
Are Concerned About?
• Nutrients– Phosphorus– Nitrogen
• Sediments
• Toxics/contaminants
Nutrients
Organic material such as manure, pet waste, leaves and grass clippings
Over-fertilized water
Decaying algae & water weeds
Sources of Nitrogen
• Agriculture
• Sewage treatment plants
• Electric power plants
• Lawns
• Bathrooms & kitchens
• Automobiles
Phosphorus
• Occurs in soil as dissolved or solid
• Strongly bound to soil
• Most lost through erosion
• Can leach from P-saturated soils
Sediments
• Fill in lakes & streams
• Trigger flooding
• Obstruct light to aquatic plants & animals
• Bury sedentary aquatic plants & animals
Each year, farmers lose 3 to 4 tons
of soil per acre to erosion.
Toxics
AtrazineAtrazine CadmiumCadmium
DiazinonDiazinon ChromiumChromium
MalathionMalathion LeadLead
ChlordaneChlordane ZincZinc
DeildrinDeildrin
In the Neighborhood
• Obey pooper-scooper laws
• Pick up litter, remind others to do the same
• Learn where your storm drain goes
• Report spills & other stream problems to proper authorities
Around the House
• Dispose of hazardous products properly
• Use environmentally-friendly cleansers
• Buy only quantities you need
• Avoid wasteful packaging
• Turn lights off when not in use
• Use high efficiency light bulbs
Concerning Cars
• If possible, wash car where suds cannot enter storm drains, i.e., on your lawn
• Recycle used oil & antifreeze
• Walk or bike, when possible
• Take public transportation or carpool
On Lawns
• Select the proper type of grass
• Cultivate a thick, healthy turf
• Allow established turf to go dormant during summer
• Mow at the proper height
• Grass-cycle
• Use groundcovers where grass is hard to grow
Fertilizing Lawns
• Test soil for pH and phosphorus
Fertilizers
• use slow release / organic types
• apply in the Fall ~ 1.8-2.7 lbs. N per year
• keep off hard surfaces
• Replace turf with low maintenance groundcover
In the Landscape
• Compost yard waste
• Keep paved surfaces to a minimum
• Rethink/reduce your lawn
• Maintain dense, healthy plant cover over your entire yard
• Group plants in mulched beds
• Terrace steep slopes
In the Landscape,
cont.• Plant drought-tolerant plants• Use soaker hose or drip irrigation instead
of sprinkler• Direct downspouts away from paved
surfaces and onto grass or mulched areas• After seeding and planting, use mulch• Control pests sensibly• Conserve energy
In the Vegetable Garden
• Water with soaker hose or drip irrigation• Use raised beds with solid sides• Use mulch cover between rows• Plant a cover crop• Control pests sensibly • Add organic matter regularly via
compost
Bay-Wise Actions
• Fertilize Wisely• Water Efficiently• Control Stormwater
Runoff• Mulch Appropriately• Recycle Yard Waste
• Manage Yard Pests with IPM
• Plant Wisely• Encourage Wildlife• Protect the
Waterfront
Bay-WiseMaryland Yardstick
ProgramWanda MacLachlan
Area Educator – Environmental Management
11975 Homewood RoadEllicott City, MD 21042-1545
410-531-5973 [email protected]
www.baywise.umd.edu