Future of urban landscapes: A Florida perspective

Abstract

As urbanization in the world increases, irrigated landscapes have become common in the developing world, particularly the temperate and warm regions. Although these landscapes provide esthetic value, they can also consume resources such as potable water. In the United States, this consumption of water for a discretionary use has come into focus as water supplies continue to become limited. This reality will affect landscapes and the use of turfgrass in the future. There are several strategies that are likely to be used in future landscapes, such as smaller irrigated areas, less irrigated turfgrass, mandates on water-efficient irrigation technology, irrigation water budgets, new drought-resistant breeds, increased use of organic soil amendments, rainwater harvesting, and alternative water sources.