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Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
• Stormwater runoff– Definition – Problems – Solutions
• Best Management Practices (BMPs)
– Prevent runoff – Vegetative cover
• Alternatives • Groundcovers
– Reduce pollutants – Fertilizer – Pesticides
Hydrologic Cycle• Water on earth is constantly recycled• Components of water cycle:
– Soil Infiltration– Evaporation– Transpiration - the process by which plants release water into the atmosphere– Surface and channel storage– Groundwater storage
The soil matrix filters and somewhat detoxifies impurities from water as it travels through the ground.
UrbanizationIntensity of land useAmount of impervious surfacesWater quality degradation
Nonpoint source pollution Sources of pollution that cannot be pinpointed to any single cause. Usually associated with trash, car oil, chemical lawn products and other residues that are easily carried away by flowing water.
Stormwater Runoff - Rainwater that flows off yards, roads and parking lots, carrying
pollutants into our waterways.
According to the EPA, polluted runoff is the #1 water quality issue in Louisiana
Nutrients Toxins Sediments
Thermal Stress Debris
Pathogens Photo courtesy of NEMO
Stormwater ContaminantsMetals
zinc, cadmium, copper, chromium, arsenic, lead
Organic chemicals pesticides, oil, gasoline, greasePathogen viruses, bacteria, protozoa
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
grass clippings, fallen leaves,human and animal waste
Sediment sand, silt and other particlesSalts sodium chloride, calcium chlorideNutrients nitrogen, phosphorus
The Problem• Increased volume of surface runoff
• Increased velocity of surface runoff
• Concentration of pollutants in runoff
Erosion
Sedimentatio
n
Flooding
Lowered
water
quality
Elevated nutrients can cause:Elevated nutrients can cause:– Polluted drinking water Polluted drinking water – Excessive aquatic plant growthExcessive aquatic plant growth– Lower dissolved oxygen levelsLower dissolved oxygen levels– Fish killsFish kills
The Solution• Use practices or methods to prevent,
reduce, retard or remove stormwater runoff contaminants before reaching receiving waters.
• Best Management Practices (BMPs) are a series of direct recommendations based on research, evaluation and educated assumptions.
Be Louisiana FriendlyRegardless of the type of property you own, you can help preserve Louisiana’s natural resources by:
1) Preventing runoff2) Increasing vegetative cover3) Reducing pollutants
Keep rain and irrigation water on your property and
out of storm drains.
Prevent Runoff
Factors Affecting Stormwater Runoff:• Rainfall intensity, flow rate, season• % impervious surfaces• Watershed size, slope• Soil type, soil compaction• Type of vegetation• Density of vegetation
Within our control Not within our control
Minimize Runoff by Using Pervious Surfaces…
for walkways, patios and driveways
Direct Downspouts and Gutters Toward Porous Areas
If downspouts drain to planted areas, be sure to select plants adapted to periodic
flooding.
Collect Rain Water
Use a rain barrel or a cistern to collect and store runoff for irrigation purposes.
Cistern
• Water during early morning hours.– Plants are already wet.– Less evaporation losses.
• Water less frequently in cooler months.
• Water “as needed,” not routinely.• Do not irrigate if rain is expected.
Plan Irrigation Schedules According to the Weather
Earth ShapingIf your property is sloped, you may want to make minor grade changes to divert runoff. This can be accomplished with terraces.
Terracing can be an attractive design
element in your yard.
Berms and SwalesCreating swales (low areas) and berms (raised earthen areas) will help to catch, hold and filter storm water. Elevations and depressions as small as 3-6 inches can make a huge difference.
Vegetative CoverVegetative CoverPlanting groundcovers on slopes is an excellent way to:• Catch and filter storm water.• Slow the velocity of water movement.• Reduce erosion.
Turf grass is a versatile groundcover that is effective at filtering
nutrients.
• Attractive• Insulates the soil• Acts as a living mulch that
helps build up humus levels in the soil
• Provides habitat and cover for beneficial insects and other predators
Covering the Ground With a Carpet of Vegetation Has Other
Advantages
Blanketflower Gaillardia pulchella
Disadvantages• If the ground cover is too
vigorous, it may require containment.
• It can compete with other plants for water and nutrients.
The following factors should also be taken into account, when choosing the
right plant for the right place…
Sweet potato Ipomea batatas ‘Margarita’
Select Plants Based on Site Conditions
• Acid, alkaline - (test your soil’s pH)• Dry, moist• Full sun, shade• Heat, cold• Salt• Space• Obstructions
Periwinkle Catharanthus roseus
‘Diva’
Alternative GroundcoversAlternative GroundcoversFor Shaded Areas
Lilyturf Liriope muscari (USDA Zone 6-11)
Periwinkle Vinca major (USDA Zone 8-11)
Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior (USDA Zone 8-11)
Beach Sunflower Helianthus debilis (USDA Zone 8B-11)
Alternative GroundcoversAlternative Groundcovers
Clover Trifolium repens (USDA Zone 5-11)
Perennial Peanut Arachis glabrata (USDA Zone 8-11)
Alternative GroundcoversAlternative Groundcovers
Junipers (USDA Zone 8-
11) Juniperus spp.
For Sunny Areas
Asiatic Jasmine (USDA Zone 8-11) Trachelospermum asiaticum
Tree CanopyTree CanopyIncorporate trees in the landscape
– Intercept rainfall– Reduce soil compaction, thus improving
water infiltration into soil– Increase the property
value– Energy efficient way
to cool the home
Reduce Pollutants
• Sweep grass and soil back onto lawns.
• Sweep up any fertilizer on impervious surfaces.
• Remove trash.• Clean up oil spills and
leaks with cat litter.• Pick up after pets.
Because water can wash off our yards, it is important to reduce the amount of
pollutants on our property.
It is unrealistic, even unwise, to strive for an insect, disease and weed-free yard. Instead:
• Learn to identify key pests associated with the plants in your yard.
• Check plants regularly for signs of pest problems.
• Determine what amount of damage warrants action.
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
• Avoid routine applications of pesticides.
• Choose the least harmful method of control.
• Treat only affected area rather than spraying the entire yard.
Fertilize Appropriately
• Follow printed instructions carefully!
• Do not apply fertilizer or pesticides before a heavy rainstorm.
If applied improperly, excess fertilizers can run off our yards into waterways or leach
into groundwater.
Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn
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