The North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition was awarded a grant of up to $17.8 million for the development of recycled water infrastructure. The grant funds come from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Soil is essential to a healthy landscape and efficient water use. Learn about your soil’s characteristics and how to care for it. The results include easier maintenance, a healthier environment, and a more beautiful landscape.
Here are some simple tests to help you evaluate your soil.
Evaluate your results based on the drainage rate. First, dig a hole 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep. Set aside the soil for additional tests.
A simple, quick test will tell you how well your soil drains. Photo: Greywater.org
Next, fill the hole with water. Let it drain overnight. Then fill the hole with water a second time. Set a stick in the hole so water just reaches the top. In one hour, measure the drop in water from the top of the stick in inches.
Drainage less than one inch per hour: Poor Drainage. This may be due to high clay content or soil compaction. Add compost to the soil before planting to improve soil aggregation and water infiltration. Select plants that can tolerate poor drainage or consider using raised beds or mounds. Regular surface applications of shredded mulch may be helpful for long-term management. Irrigation should be scheduled for short cycles and long soak periods to meet plant water demand and avoid runoff.
Drainage is between one to three inches per hour: Acceptable Drainage.
Drainage more than three inches per hour: Water moves too quickly through your soil. Add compost before planting to hold the water in the root zone longer and select plants tolerant of fast drainage. Regular surface applications of shredded mulch may be helpful for long term management. Irrigation scheduling may require longer watering times to ensure plants have enough available water at the root zone.
The Worm Test is another method of providing insight into the health of your soil biology. Sift through the soil removed to perform the drainage test. If you can’t find at least ten earthworms, your soil is low on organics and will benefit from the addition of compost when planting. Use shredded mulch after planting to continue to feed the beneficial organisms. Worms help reduce soil compaction, allowing water and air to move into the soil to provide healthy growing conditions and maximize efficient water usage.
The Squeeze Test can help you determine the texture of your soil. Start by taking a handful of moistened (but not wet) soil and squeeze it firmly. Open your hand and determine which of the following it most resembles.
This soil isn’t retaining enough moisture. Photo: UC Santa Cruz
High sand content soil. A ball of soil falls apart when you open your hand.
This soil retains the correct and healthy amount of moisture. Photo: UC Santa Cruz
Loamy soil. The ball of soil holds its shape but crumbles when you poke it lightly.
This soil retains too much moisture. Photo: UC Santa Cruz
High clay content soil. Holds its shape and does not crumble when you poke it lightly. Sand is quick draining but has a limited ability to retain nutrients and moisture. Sandy soils often benefit from the addition of organic matter.
Loam is generally considered ideal soil because it retains moisture and nutrients but doesn’t stay soggy. Clay is typically nutrient-rich but has poor drainage. Drainage can sometimes be improved by deep cultivation which breaks up the hard layer of soil
Use this graphic as an example. Aim to get the most even distribution, as shown with the loam jar. Image: San Diego County Water Authority
For the Jar Test, use a one-quart size glass container, such as a Mason Jar. Add one cup of soil from the garden. Add three cups of distilled water. Close and shake the jar until all solids are suspended in water.
Place the container on a shelf and wait 24 hours. If the container is cloudy, then wait another 24 hours. After 48 hours, the layers should be settled with sand on the bottom, silt in the middle, and clay on top.
Measure the layers in proportion to each other. Refer to the graphic to determine your soil type based on the proportions of sand, silt, and clay. Refer to the USDA soil triangle with the soil separation percentages to determine your soil texture.
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(Editor’s Note: The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies offer programs, resources, and incentives to improve water-use efficiency for residential, commercial, and agricultural users. WaterSmart choices are a way of life in the region. Stay WaterSmart San Diego! For more water-use efficiency resources, go to WaterSmart.SD.org.)
In the third year of drought, water agencies are providing opportunities, including rebates and resources, to increase water-use efficiency. A free webinar August 31 is geared for people who manage or own properties with large landscape areas
If you choose to design, implement and maintain a new water-saving landscape yourself, you can follow the Homeowner’s Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape to help you plan, prepare, and work through each step. Free classes and online videos can help.
The Vista Irrigation District Board of Directors recognized Jennifer Dell as its 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner for her creative, colorful use of materials and plants. The annual contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.
Whether you installed a new water-saving landscape or are just looking for tips on how to conserve in your existing landscape, here are ways to maintain your landscape while saving water.
The Vista Irrigation District Board of Directors recognized Jennifer Dell as its 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner for her creative, colorful use of materials and plants.
The annual contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.
When Jennifer Dell purchased her home in 2019, her first priority was removing the water-thirsty turf. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Replacing the water-intensive lawn with a Watersmart landscape was Dell’s priority when she purchased her home in 2019. She used upcycled landscape materials and low-water use trees, shrubs, and perennials to transform her front yard into a thriving landscape.
Podocarpus and Purple Hopseed evergreens circle the yard to create a verdant privacy screen full of seasonal color all year. Deep purple spears from Pride of Madeira, Lavender, and Mexican Sage Bush create a colorful and blossoming habitat for butterflies, bees, and birds. Honeysuckle, Star Jasmine, and Floribunda Iceberg Roses provide fragrant bursts of color.
The new landscape features pollinator friendly perennials and shrubs along with fruit trees. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Dell also planted a variety of fruit trees she irrigates with rainwater collected in a rain barrel catchment system. “I wanted a lush and colorful landscape with as low a water bill as possible,” said Dell. What was a mundane, flat waste of water is now and will increasingly be a joyful, colorful, and dynamic habitat for humans and other wildlife.”
“Replacing your grass lawn with a WaterSmart landscape is one of the best ways to reduce your water use,” said Brent Reyes, water conservation specialist. “Additionally, turf removal rebates are available to help with the cost.”
Rebates, tips, classes and other water-saving information: sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/.
(Editor’s note: The Vista Irrigation District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
If you choose to design, implement and maintain a new WaterSmart landscape yourself, you can follow the Homeowner’s Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape to help you plan, prepare, and work through each step. Free classes and online videos can help.
Whether you install a new WaterSmart Living landscape or are just looking for tips on how to conserve water in your existing landscape, the following section can help you make an immediate impact on your landscape water savings.
The Water News Network is San Diego County’s source for water news and information.
