What's Happening?
Binghamton University, State University of New York, has received a $298,476 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand ongoing research at its Pasture and Lawn Enhanced Diversity Global-change Experiment (PLEDGE) site. Assistant Professor
of Ecosystem Science Amber (Amy) Churchill will lead this project, which aims to explore how short-term drought affects lawn performance over time. The research will specifically investigate the impact of high-intensity 'pulse' droughts, characterized by very low water over short intervals combined with high temperatures, which are predicted to become more common in New York during summer months. The study will focus on how these changes in water availability influence aspects like lawn greenness and plant density, which are crucial for aesthetic value and recreational use. The PLEDGE site, established in spring 2024, currently features 30 plots divided into three groups based on species composition, including tall fescue, white clover, and creeping thyme. The new research will involve dividing each lawn into three sections, with varying water amounts applied to each, and will begin studying drought effects in its second year.
Why It's Important?
This USDA-funded research is significant because lawns, public parks, and golf courses collectively cover almost 2% of the continental U.S., consuming 30% to 60% of potable water for irrigation. These human-created ecosystems often require substantial management, including fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, to maintain their desired appearance. Understanding how short-term droughts impact lawn performance is crucial for developing sustainable water management practices and reducing the environmental footprint of turfgrass. The project's focus on plant diversity and its functional effects on lawns could lead to recommendations for more resilient and water-efficient lawn species. By identifying how different plant compositions respond to drought, the research can inform homeowners, landscapers, and urban planners on how to maintain green spaces with less water and chemical input. This has direct implications for water conservation efforts, particularly in regions facing increased drought frequency, and can contribute to more environmentally friendly urban and suburban landscapes.
What's Next?
The initial phase of the research will involve quantifying the natural variation within each lawn plot during the first year. The experimental manipulation of water availability to study drought effects will commence in the second year of the project. Beyond the scientific investigation, the researchers plan to host discussions on managing biodiversity in urban spaces and how such management can support ecosystem stability under changing environmental conditions. These discussions will target both fellow researchers and the surrounding community, aiming to disseminate knowledge and encourage the adoption of new lawn management practices. The findings from this project could lead to updated recommendations for homeowners on what to plant in their lawns to enhance drought resilience and reduce water consumption. The long-term goal is to provide actionable insights that contribute to more sustainable and ecologically sound approaches to maintaining green spaces in the face of climate change.
Beyond the Headlines
This research delves into the often-overlooked environmental impact of residential and public green spaces. The significant water consumption and chemical use associated with maintaining lush lawns represent a substantial ecological and economic burden. The project's exploration of plant diversity as a solution to drought resilience highlights a paradigm shift from monoculture landscaping to more ecologically integrated approaches. This has broader implications for urban planning and public policy, potentially leading to incentives for drought-tolerant landscaping and a re-evaluation of aesthetic standards for green spaces. Ethically, it prompts a re-examination of human interaction with natural resources, particularly water, in an era of increasing scarcity. Culturally, it could foster a greater appreciation for native and resilient plant species, moving away from the traditional, water-intensive lawn aesthetic. The community engagement aspect of the project also suggests a growing recognition of the importance of public education and participation in addressing environmental challenges at a local level.
