Conversation with Gene Barnes

Guest Pro

Gene Barnes of Gallion Irrigation Inc., Houston Texas is our “Guest Pro”.

Excerpts from a conversation with our Guest Pro – Gene Barnes.

“What it took for me to develop what I call “Biological Water Conservation” was to become grounded in the basics of soil science, plant science and micro-biology. Once I understood the basic concepts, organic amendment application became simple to do. I created a different approach to turf and landscape management that had dramatic reduction in inputs and significantly less water requirement.” (Italics added by IE)
“We are just going back to practices that were used in agriculture prior to WWII.
We promote the formation of root mass. We are extending the ability of roots to uptake water and nutrients through increased presence of fungal hyphae. Putting on less water and having a healthier landscape.”

“It is critical to understand what is in the soil. It is real important to understand what is in anything you add to the soil, whether it is compost, compost tea or anything else for that matter. These elements need to be fine tuned to site-specific conditions. We treat the soil like a living, breathing, bio-sphere – because that is what it is!”

“Monitor the soil and adjust as required to sustain a balance. The key is a highly diverse population of organisms will tend to be self-balancing.”
 

General Information Articles • Soil Biology Articles • Posted on 12/18/2009   •  (13) Comments • Permalink

Irrigation Essentials’ Position on Landscape Water Use Policy

“Whiskey is for drinking.  Water is for fighting over.”  Mark Twain

We are for free enterprise and enabling ingenuity in the marketplace.  This is what has made America great.  With respect to water use in the landscape, what we are for:

1. Dedicated meters on irrigations systems.  This will enable accurate monitoring of water use, and create the basis of accountability for efficient irrigation.
2. Water rates that reflect the true cost of water.  When water is priced as though it were valuable, property owners will recognize water as an asset that needs to be managed.
3. Tiered water rates that create incentives for the efficient use of water, and discourage the inefficient use of water.
4. Irrigation plans for new systems that require efficiency of distribution at or above minimum standards identified in the Irrigation Association “Turf and Landscape Best Management Practices”.  Existing irrigation systems should be audited to identify opportunities for increased efficiency in order to meet or exceed local standards.
5. Landscape water budgets (allocations) that are locally derived, and based on area, not crop type.  Water budgets will encourage creativity and reward expertise in water management, while ensuring the viability of the local water supply.   Effective water management will enable a full range of plant options to enhance property values.
6. Licensed (where appropriate), trained and certified vendors are promoted through market incentives.

What we are against:

1. Mandates prescribing what crops may be planted, or not planted in a landscape.  Water use mandates should encourage efficiency, free enterprise, and ensure the viability of the local ecology.  These goals are not mutually exclusive and policies should be developed that acknowledge these goals as interdependent.
2. Mandates prescribing formulaic approaches to irrigation events, such as so called “odd-even” watering days.
   

General Information Articles • Posted on 02/22/2009   •  (3) Comments • Permalink