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Hurricane-Proof Landscapes
Many reasons exist for developing
landscapes with halophytic plants. The use of natural salt water resources conserves
limited fresh water resources, saline ecosystems have limited pest pressures requiring
minimal chemical use, etc. However, perhaps the biggest benefit to the resort
owner/developer is the ‘hurricane-proofing’ afforded by the use of halophytes in
the landscape.
In the period of time following a hurricane,
much attention goes toward the damage to buildings and structures. Often, the landscape is
left alone until the rubbage and debris is cleared and things settle down in general. Even
under the best of circumstances the landscape is irrigated with fresh water in an attempt
to leach salts from the soil. Normally, the use of fresh water at this point is the worst
thing that can be done to these sites in terms of the damage that may be done to the soils
by increasing the sodium hazard. Sodium-affected soils tend to lose natural soil structure
and may become very poorly drained and prone to waterlogging. This sodium effect is
lasting and may take years of conscientious cultural practices to correct. With halophytes
on the other hand, the salt water flooding does not adversely affect the plants.
EnviroTurf, LC. (ET) turfgrass varieties are very tolerant of extended
periods of salt water flooding. The salt affect from seawater flooding then being
effectively neutralized, greater attention can be paid to other damaged areas.
Bermudagrass and other standard turf species
cannot withstand salt damage from extended seawater flooding. As such, much plant material
can be expected to be lost or severely damaged from the storm event. If careful soil
reclamation is not utilized as outlined above, the soils may be damaged due to the soil
dispersive effects of sodium. The end result is a landscape that may not be useable for a
year or longer. If the landscape is a golf course development for example, the course may
then be unplayable for months at a time. Conversely, if our halophytic turfs are utilized,
the course may be playable in just a matter of a couple of weeks. Once the debris is
cleared, the flood waters recede and the soil dries somewhat, the course may be placed
back in play. That is not to say that corrective measures will not be needed for soil
reclamation, but these practices can be completed as maintenance practices on an operating
golf course.
Any interested parties are invited to observe our grasses on
operating golf courses under salt water irrigation. Our halophytic turfs are of
exceptional quality and of course maintain extreme salinity tolerance. To set up a visit
and site tour, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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