By: Gerald S. Dobbs, CGM—Grounds Manager at The University of Texas at El Paso
Several years ago, I was asked, what was my definition of “sustainability”. I responded that I believe sustainability is the wise use of environmental resources today and making sure they are replaced and/or preserved for future generations to enjoy. In January 2020, I began serving as the Grounds Manager of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). It wasn’t long before I discovered there were several very different environmental challenges that affected the maintenance of UTEP’s 420 acres. Three of those environmental challenges include scarcity of rainfall; soil conditions lacking nutritional value and water holding capacity; and finding the right equipment to address air quality and noise pollution.
Scarcity of Rainfall
On average, El Paso receives about 8.5 inches of rain a year with about 5 inches coming during the months of July through September. For the rest of the year, a six-person Irrigation Crew under the supervision of the Irrigation Supervisor will turn on daily and inspect each irrigation station to determine if there are any breaks in the irrigation lines and tubing or if there are malfunctioning heads that need to be replaced. The work is tedious, but it is necessary, because if a certain water line is malfunctioning, it will reveal itself within two days by wilted plant materials and/or dead turf lawn areas.
About two years ago, the Irrigation Supervisor and I met with the building design team that was developing the set of building and landscape plans for AMAC – Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center. We had the opportunity to review the landscape plans and proposed an irrigation system for the site. We strongly recommend the installation of a smart irrigation system that will enable the Irrigation Technician to respond more rapidly to water control emergency situations. This meant that each irrigation station would be able to communicate with the Irrigation Technician by transmitting alerts and information to the Tech’s cell phone, tablet and/or desk computer. The technician would have the capability of shutting down the irrigation line to prevent water loss in case of line disruption. Also, the technician would receive alerts when the temperature is rising and the need for water becomes much greater. This idea was received quite well by the designers and administration. A year later, we were working with the design team to install a smart irrigation system for the new Texas Western Hall. The primary advantage of the smart irrigation system is water conservation and reduction in emergency response situations due to water line breakages.
Soil Conditions Lacking Nutritional Value and Water Holding Capacity
The soil of UTEP has a high pH, lacks organic matter to encourage the growth of microorganisms and actinomycetes. In addition, the soil is heavily compacted from years of foot and vehicular traffic on the lawn areas. Under ideal conditions, the soil should have at least 50% pore space to encourage water transmission and air circulation to encourage healthy root growth and penetration. When this is not the case, plants will struggle for air, nutrition and water.
To combat this type of situation in the soil, it is essential to aerate the soil at least once a month throughout the entire growing season. In the spring of one year, we aerated the heavily used lawn areas, and we used spreaders to put down a product called Biochar. This product has been tested and used for several years to improve the water holding and nutritional capacity of the soil. This organic product has the potential to last in the soil for about 500 years in the soil. From test results, we have seen lawn areas stay green a few weeks longer; increased drought resistance; reduced quantities of fertilizers and water volatilizing into the atmosphere and reduced quantities of fertilizers washing down into the storm drainage system.
Right Equipment to Address Air Quality and Noise Pollution
It is well known that landscape maintenance equipment such as gas-powered riding mowers, power blowers, edgers, and weed eaters contribute significantly to air pollution in highly populated areas. Several companies are responding to the need for alternative powered equipment that not only reduces the amount of air pollution into the atmosphere but also reduces the amount of noise pollution as well. About three years ago, I gave a presentation to the Green Fund Committee at the university to persuade them to fund the purchase of battery powered equipment for the Grounds Department. After giving the presentation, the Green Fund Committee decided unanimously to fund the proposal to buy two battery powered riding mowers, one walk-behind power mower, and five sets of backpack style battery packs with an assortment of weed eater, blower, and edger attachments. When we received the equipment, certain staff were selected to train on the equipment and to show off what the equipment could do. As a result, we had an excited team of operators who were willing to put the equipment through its paces. The operators, mechanics, and I were surprised that at the end of about three hours of operating the riding mowers that less than 10% of the battery charge was used. In addition, the noise reduction has been significant and there have been less complaints about equipment noise around the academic buildings.
Conclusion
It is essential for the staff to freely and willingly support the efforts of sustainable practices. Many of the practices have been recommended by the staff. When the staff has buy-in, the success rate of the newly instituted sustainable practice increases dramatically. Also, it is necessary to encourage the involvement of students and other staff members to promote environmentally sustainable ideas. We are all partners with each other for a more sustainable today and a sustainable tomorrow.