Sustainable Approaches Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional to the Conventional
LandscapeLandscapeRobert Schutzki and Elise TrippRobert Schutzki and Elise Tripp
Department of HorticultureDepartment of Horticulture
Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
SustainabilitySustainability““Meeting the needs of Meeting the needs of today’s population without today’s population without diminishing the ability of diminishing the ability of future populations to meet future populations to meet their needs”.their needs”.
United Nations World Commission on Environment United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (1987)and Development (1987)
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
NeedsNeedsPoliticalPoliticalEconomicEconomicEcologicalEcologicalSocialSocial
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
NeedsNeedsAllocation and use of Allocation and use of natural resourcesnatural resources
Preservation of biological Preservation of biological systems function over systems function over timetime
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
SustainabilitySustainabilityResource Sufficiency Resource Sufficiency Functional IntegrityFunctional IntegrityNon-substantiveNon-substantive
Thompson (2006) Thompson (2006) Agricultural Sustainability: Agricultural Sustainability: What it is and what it is notWhat it is and what it is not
www.smep.msu.edu/documewww.smep.msu.edu/documents/sustainabilitynts/sustainability_Thompson.pdf _Thompson.pdf
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Resource SufficiencyResource SufficiencyUtilization of ResourcesUtilization of ResourcesAvailable ResourcesAvailable ResourcesPredicted availability based on Predicted availability based on utilizationutilization
Nature or characteristic of the Nature or characteristic of the resourceresource
Renewal, Regenerative, Renewal, Regenerative, ReclaimableReclaimable
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Functional IntegrityFunctional IntegritySelf-regenerating systemSelf-regenerating systemThe inability of a system to The inability of a system to reproduce itself is considered reproduce itself is considered unsustainableunsustainable
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Non-substantiveNon-substantiveMoral judgment Moral judgment Value judgmentsValue judgmentsInterests and BiasesInterests and Biases
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Triple Bottom Line – People, Triple Bottom Line – People, Planet and ProfitsPlanet and Profits
Organizational and Societal SuccessOrganizational and Societal SuccessFinancial Gain and StabilityFinancial Gain and StabilityEnvironmental and Social PerformanceEnvironmental and Social Performance
Elkington (1994), Cannibals with Elkington (1994), Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21stst Century BusinessCentury Business
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Triple Bottom Line – People, Triple Bottom Line – People, Planet and ProfitsPlanet and Profits
Energy ConsumptionEnergy ConsumptionWaste GenerationWaste GenerationUse of ResourcesUse of Resources
Sustainable LandscapesSustainable Landscapes
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
What is a Sustainable What is a Sustainable Landscape?Landscape?
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Sustainable LandscapesSustainable LandscapesPreservation, Conservation, Preservation, Conservation, Restoration Restoration
Protecting Natural SystemsProtecting Natural SystemsMaintaining Natural FunctionMaintaining Natural FunctionEnvironmental QualityEnvironmental Quality
Sustainable LandscapeSustainable Landscape
Energy ConsumptionEnergy ConsumptionWaste GenerationWaste GenerationUse of ResourcesUse of ResourcesSelf-regeneratingSelf-regeneratingEnvironmental Environmental ContributionContribution
Sustainable LandscapesSustainable Landscapes
U.S. Environmental Protection U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyAgency
U.S. Green Building CouncilU.S. Green Building CouncilBuildingGreen Inc.BuildingGreen Inc.
Sustainable LandscapesSustainable Landscapes
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Sustainable Landscape DevelopmentSustainable Landscape DevelopmentLEED (Leadership in Energy and LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) Certification, USGBCEnvironmental Design) Certification, USGBCSustainable Sites Initiative, ASLA & LBJ Sustainable Sites Initiative, ASLA & LBJ
Wildflower CenterWildflower CenterLAND Code (Land and Natural LAND Code (Land and Natural
Development), Balmori and Benoit, 2004Development), Balmori and Benoit, 2004Low Impact DevelopmentLow Impact DevelopmentSmart GrowthSmart Growth
Conventional Conventional LandscapesLandscapes
Conventional LandscapesConventional Landscapes
Conventional LandscapesConventional Landscapes
Conventional LandscapesConventional Landscapes
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Landscape DevelopmentLandscape DevelopmentDesignDesignConstructionConstructionManagementManagement
Conventional LandscapesConventional Landscapes
Minimize resources required Minimize resources required to construct and maintain the to construct and maintain the landscapelandscape
Utilize resources efficientlyUtilize resources efficientlyUtilize renewal resourcesUtilize renewal resourcesMaximize internal cycling of Maximize internal cycling of energy and materialsenergy and materials
Conventional LandscapesConventional Landscapes
Minimize waste outputsMinimize waste outputsConstruct a dynamic Construct a dynamic biological systembiological system
Construct a “built” Construct a “built” ecosystem that provides ecosystem that provides natural functionsnatural functions
Sustainability in Sustainability in Conventional Landscapes Conventional Landscapes comes from:comes from:
PlantsPlantsSoilSoilWaterWaterAtmosphereAtmosphere
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Plants:Plants: Every plant performs Every plant performs a function in the a function in the
landscapelandscape
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Right Plant, Right PlaceRight Plant, Right PlaceFunction – User BenefitsFunction – User BenefitsAesthetics – Curb AppealAesthetics – Curb AppealSite Conditions – Site Conditions – Environmental InfluencesEnvironmental Influences
Management – Required Management – Required MaintenanceMaintenance
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Site Appropriate Plant Site Appropriate Plant Selection (SAPS)Selection (SAPS)Definition: Selecting plant material Definition: Selecting plant material adaptedadapted to a site to perform to a site to perform natural natural functionsfunctions, resulting in , resulting in interactions interactions within a within a communitycommunity..
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Goals of SAPS:Goals of SAPS: Establish/replace natural functionsEstablish/replace natural functions Minimize Minimize inputs and outputsinputs and outputs
– water water – fertilizer fertilizer – pesticides pesticides – labor labor
pruning pruning mowingmowing
Turfgrasses of Michigan: Characteristics and Adaptation
Turfgrass Turfgrass SpeciesSpecies
RecommendeRecommendedd
-----------------Relative -----------------Relative Tolerance-----------------Tolerance-----------------
Mowing Mowing HeightHeight
NitrogeNitrogenn
RegimeRegime
Irrigation Irrigation RequiremeRequireme
ntnt
Heat Heat ColdCold DroughtDrought ShadeShade WearWear (inches(inches))
Per Per yearyear
Kentucky Kentucky bluegrassbluegrass YesYes FairFair GoodGood MediumMedium PoorPoor MediumMedium 2 - 4 2 - 4
Medium to Medium to HighHigh
(2 to 4 lbs. (2 to 4 lbs. N)N)
YesYes
Tall FescueTall Fescue YesYes GoodGood PoorPoor ExcellenExcellentt
GoodGood GoodGood 2.5 - 42.5 - 4Low to Low to
MediumMedium
(1 to 2 lb.s (1 to 2 lb.s N)N)
SeldomSeldom
Perennial Perennial RyegrassRyegrass YesYes PoorPoor VeryVery
PoorPoor FairFair FairFair GoodGood 1.5 - 1.5 - 2.52.5
Medium to Medium to HighHigh
(2 to 4 lbs. (2 to 4 lbs. N)N)
YesYes
Annual Annual RyegrassRyegrass Yes*Yes* VeryVery
PoorPoorVeryVeryPoorPoor
VeryVeryPoorPoor PoorPoor PoorPoor 1.5 - 21.5 - 2
Medium to Medium to HighHigh
(2 to 4 lbs. (2 to 4 lbs. N)N)
YesYes
Fine FescuesFine FescuesSheep, Creeping Sheep, Creeping
Red, HardRed, Hard
YesYes FairFair MediumMedium GoodGood ExcellenExcellentt
PoorPoor 1.5 - 31.5 - 3LowLow
(< 2 lb.s N)(< 2 lb.s N) SeldomSeldom
ZoysiagrassZoysiagrass NoNo ExcellenExcellentt
MediumMedium ExcellenExcellentt
GoodGood ExcellenExcellentt
0.5 - 0.5 - 1.5 1.5
Low to Low to MediumMedium
(1 to 2 lb.s (1 to 2 lb.s N)N)
SeldomSeldom
BuffalograssBuffalograss NoNo ExcellenExcellentt
MediumMedium ExcellenExcellentt
VeryVeryPoorPoor FairFair 2 or >2 or >
LowLow
(< 2 lb.s N)(< 2 lb.s N) SeldomSeldom
BermudagrassBermudagrass NoNo ExcellenExcellentt
PoorPoor GoodGood PoorPoor ExcellenExcellentt
0.5 - 0.5 - 1.51.5
HighHigh
(6 lbs. N or (6 lbs. N or >)>)
YesYes
* Only as a temporary cover during establishment.
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
SoilsSoilsSoil QualitySoil Quality
Soil QualitySoil Quality
Soil functions to :Soil functions to :– Sustain plant growthSustain plant growth– Sustain environmental qualitySustain environmental quality– Provide for plant, animal, and human Provide for plant, animal, and human
health.health.
The terms “Soil Quality” and “Soil The terms “Soil Quality” and “Soil Health” describe the soil’s ability to Health” describe the soil’s ability to perform the above functions.perform the above functions.
Assessment of Soil QualityAssessment of Soil Quality
Not one measurable parameter.Not one measurable parameter. Soil Quality Indicators:Soil Quality Indicators:
– Physical propertiesPhysical propertiesSoil TextureSoil TextureBulk Density – weight per unit volumeBulk Density – weight per unit volumeRooting/soil depthRooting/soil depthWater infiltration/conductivityWater infiltration/conductivityWater Holding CapacityWater Holding CapacityStructure/Aggregate StabilityStructure/Aggregate Stability
Soil Quality IndicatorsSoil Quality Indicators
Soil Chemical PropertiesSoil Chemical Properties– pHpH– Electrical Conductivity (EC)Electrical Conductivity (EC)– Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)– Soil Organic Matter (SOM)Soil Organic Matter (SOM)– Mineralizable NMineralizable N– Exchangeable Cations (nutrients)Exchangeable Cations (nutrients)
Soil Quality IndicatorsSoil Quality Indicators
Soil Biological PropertiesSoil Biological Properties– Organic NitrogenOrganic Nitrogen– Organic CarbonOrganic Carbon– Microbial BiomassMicrobial Biomass– MacroorganismsMacroorganisms
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
WaterWaterWater QuantityWater QuantityWater QualityWater QualitySoil ConservationSoil ConservationPlant ManagementPlant Management
Movement Toward Water Movement Toward Water ConservationConservation
Reduction of potable Reduction of potable water for irrigation usewater for irrigation use
Demand for increased Demand for increased irrigation system irrigation system efficiencyefficiency
The cost of waterThe cost of water– Infrastructure limitationsInfrastructure limitations– Rising water / sewer Rising water / sewer
costscosts– Increasing residential Increasing residential
and commercial and commercial developmentdevelopment
Environmentally Sustainable Environmentally Sustainable LandscapesLandscapes
Demand more from the Demand more from the irrigation designer irrigation designer
Requires use of Requires use of efficient products and efficient products and proper installation.proper installation.
Shifting role of Shifting role of irrigation contractor to irrigation contractor to water managerwater manager
Requires better Requires better educated individuals.educated individuals.
U. S. EPA WaterSenseU. S. EPA WaterSensewww.epa.gov/watersensewww.epa.gov/watersense
Certification programs for irrigation professionals
Design (IA’s CID program has been approved)
Installation (IA’s CIC program has been approved)
Auditing
Labeling of irrigation products (coming soon)
Irrigation Controllers
Drip irrigation
Advancements in Irrigation Advancements in Irrigation EfficiencyEfficiency
Saving Water in the LandscapeSaving Water in the Landscape
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
AtmosphereAtmosphereCarbon Sequestration Carbon Sequestration Heat IslandHeat IslandPollutionPollution
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Trees absorb carbon dioxide that Trees absorb carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming along contributes to global warming along with other gases that add to urban with other gases that add to urban pollution.pollution.
The American Forest organization The American Forest organization determined that tree cover in San determined that tree cover in San Antonio, Texas is saving $70 million Antonio, Texas is saving $70 million a year in ecological services. a year in ecological services.
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
U. S. Department of Energy U. S. Department of Energy estimated that three properly estimated that three properly placed trees can save between placed trees can save between $100 and $250 in annual heating $100 and $250 in annual heating and cooling costs. and cooling costs.
Trees shading an outdoor air Trees shading an outdoor air conditioning unit can increase its conditioning unit can increase its efficiency by 10%. efficiency by 10%.
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
One tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon One tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions. equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions.
One acre of trees has the ability to remove One acre of trees has the ability to remove 13 tons of particles and gases annually.13 tons of particles and gases annually.
Appropriate tree placement can reduce Appropriate tree placement can reduce household energy consumption for heating household energy consumption for heating and cooling up to 25%. and cooling up to 25%.
Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional Sustainable Approaches to the Conventional LandscapeLandscape
Bring together the various disciplines Bring together the various disciplines and professionals in landscape and professionals in landscape developmentdevelopment
Employ sound science, current Employ sound science, current technology, and best management technology, and best management practicespractices
Conventional Conventional LandscapesLandscapes