Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2011TX392B

Landscape Coefficients in Mixed Species Landscapes

Institute: Texas
Year Established: 2011 Start Date: 2011-03-01 End Date: 2012-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $4,971 Total Non-Federal Funds: $9,946

Principal Investigators: Rebecca Hammond, Tim Pannkuk

Abstract: Landscape irrigation is becoming increasingly important from a resource management point of view. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) based irrigation may allow significant water use savings in the landscape. This research will measure landscape crop coefficients (KL) for landscapes that are comprised of different vegetation types affecting KL. The KL will be determined from a ratio of actual evapotranspiration to the ETo. Irrigation quantity will be based on 70% replacement of ETo. The KL value will be measured for the following landscape vegetation mixed-species treatments: 30%/70% turf/woody plant, 70%/30% turf/ woody plant, and 100% woody plant. Soil is being systematically placed into lysimeters containing a drainage system and soil moisture probes. Lysimeters (1585 L) are placed in a randomized complete block design with three blocks. Soil moisture measurements will be made at 0 to 20, 20 to 40, and 40 to 60 cm depths. The KL will be determined after a rainfall or irrigation for periods of two to five days. Any seasonal effects of the KL will also be determined. Landscape coefficients are a possible tool in irrigation decision making which could contribute to water savings in urban landscapes.