The options in turf establishment in Ontario are basically sodding,
seeding and hydroseeding. As one assesses the sodding option from the standpoint
of immediate environmental benefits, there are several significant dimensions:
Erosion Control - Sodding offers immediate stabilization of the
construction site thereby avoiding significant loss of soil by wind or
water erosion.
Water Conservation - Sodded turf sites will require irrigation for a
shorter period of time after planting than sites which are seeded.
Reduced Herbicide Use - When establishing a turf with quality
sod, there should be no need to apply a herbicide for weed control for
two to four years.
Reduced Probability Of Failure - Frequently, turf must be established
on very adverse sites such as impermeable clays, steep or stony sites and
poorly drained areas. Proper sodding has a much higher potential for successful
stabilization of the area with turf. Risk of failure by seeding is great
and may require repeat plantings.
Earlier Environmental Benefits - Sodding offers a significant
range of immediate benefits which contribute to life in urban areas. These
are listed more fully in the following notes, "Benefits of Turfgrass."
Benefits of Turfgrass
Turfgrass, a major contributor to the protection of our environment
and the enhancement of our quality of life, uniquely offers the following
benefits:
Environmental
Soil Erosion Control - Protection of a Vital Natural Resource
- Installation of turfgrass sod offers immediate superior stabilization
of the installation site, thereby avoiding significant loss of a vital
natural resource, our soil, by wind or water erosion.
Water Conservation - Ground Water Recharge - Flood Control -
Turfgrass sod has a superior capability of trapping and holding rain water
in place for ground water recharge and thereby reduces run-off and the
need for more extensive flood control structures. It also enhances the
moisture content of the root zone thus further reducing the need for irrigation.
Soil Enrichment - Carbon Storage - Turfgrass sod forms a very
extensive fibrous root system that extends throughout the root zone in
the soil. As they decay, micro-organisms form humus which was originally
derived from atmospheric carbon dioxide, and thus improves soil productivity.
New roots are continually developing, dying off, and decomposing.
Discourages Nuisance Pests - Mowed grass discourages rats, mice,
snakes, mosquitoes, ticks and similar nuisance pests that tend to seek
a more protective habitat in tall landscape plantings.
Organic Chemicals Decomposer - The turfgrass-soil-microbiological
ecosystem is one of the best in its capability to degrade synthetic organic
chemical pollutants that it has trapped with surface run-off water from
hard surfaces.
Health
Temperature Moderation - Turfgrass reduces temperature heat extremes
by natural transpirational cooling. The front lawns of just 8 average houses
have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning. The average
home-size central air unit has a 3 to 4 ton capacity.
Pollutant Filter For Water Quality - Turfgrass absorbs gaseous
pollutants (carbon dioxide and ozone) from the air and traps particulate
matter (dust and dirt with organic chemicals) from the atmosphere.
Oxygen Releaser - The process of photosynthesis in green plants
releases oxygen into the atmosphere. About 2500 square feet of lawn will
release sufficient oxygen to meet the needs of a family of 4.
Pollen Allergy Control - Mowed turfgrass helps control weeds
and flowering of grasses that produce pollen which cause unpleasant allergic
reactions.
Noise Abatement - Glare Reduction - Turfgrass has the ability
to absorb sound and reduce undesirable noise levels by 30 to 40 percent.
It also produces multi-direction reflection that reduces unpleasant glare
problems.
Recreational Activities - Dense, well-maintained turfgrass reduces
sports injuries significantly and provides a resilient playing surface
for years of healthy outdoor recreation.
Natural Beauty and Aesthetic Benefits - Turfgrass contributes
to mental health, social harmony, a pleasant visual environment, and increased
real estate value.
Security Zone - Fire Break - The open, mowed, green lawn provides
a visual security zone to discourage unwanted intruders and also serves
as a protective break against wild-fires.
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