San Antonio Drought Study Field Day Scheduled

            Growers, landscapers and public officials will have the opportunity to view the 25-variety drought study on Thursday, June 29 at Bladerunner Farms Leon Creek operation.  The study was planted last September and includes St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia and Buffalograss varieties.

            The grasses will be subjected to a 60-day drought beginning July 1.  Each variety is replicated on four inches of topsoil and on native soil.  A rainout shelter has been constructed on the site to prevent rainfall from affecting the study.  If its sensors detect rainfall, the shelter moves across the plots

            The study came about as a result of discussions with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS).  They had proposed that St. Augustine grass be banned from new plantings.  They have since modified their regulations allowing homeowners to plant what they choose but limit homebuilders to grasses from an approved list.  The list will be developed from the results of the study. 

            TPT entered into an agreement with SAWS and researchers at Texas A&M University to conduct the study.  Dr. David Chalmers is leading the study.  The new Irrigation Technology Center in San Antonio is also involved. 

            Following the 60-day drought, the grasses will be irrigated as needed and allowed a recovery period of 60 days.  The study will be conducted again next year to allow for scientific creditability. 

            Bladerunner Farms is located next to the SAWS Leon Creek facility at 1104 Mauermann Road, just south of loop 410 in San Antonio.  A link showing directions to the site will be available on the TPT website in the near future. 

            The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. on June 29 and conclude about 10:00 a.m.  Participants will have the opportunity to observe the grasses and visit with the researchers conducting the test. 

            SAWS has contributed $115,000 to the project.  TPT has committed $22,594 in cash and has contributed at least that amount in in-kind services.

            It is anticipated that the study will have far-reaching effects, not only in San Antonio but also wherever warm-season grasses are grown.