Verge Testing: Case Study
Demonstrating the General Care Aspect of IrriGator Use
Beginning on the first day of April 2014, various 'island' areas of lawn on a verge were subjected to different treatments. This experiment concluded on the 12th of May. This verge area is not under reticulation and usually receives only rainwater. The areas were treated as follows, and Figure 1 illustrates the location of each area:
No Water. Here only rainwater was received, with no additional water administered. Between the start date and the 14th of April, there was little improvement to the condition of these areas, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3.
Untreated Water. Here water was applied by hand with a hose. This area of lawn received the same amount of water as the area receiving treated water. Between the start date and the 14th of April, there was an improvement in the condition of the lawn, as can be seen in Figure 2, with some new shoots beginning to appear. The change however, pales in comparison with that of the area receiving treated water.
Treated Water. Here water was also applied by hand with a hose, however the water was redirected through an Applicator (see Figure 4) containing a GelBlock. Between the start date and the 14th of April an improvement in the absorption of the soil and a significant increase in new shoots was observed, and can be seen in Figure 2 and 3. A vast improvement in the condition of the lawn is clearly visible.
Demonstrating the Improved Preparedness of a Garden to Treatments Under IrriGator Use
Upon the arrival of the winter rains, all of the areas were treated with fertilizer and lawn repair seed as significant patches of ground were not covered with lawn. This treatment occurred on the 22nd of April. The lawn was allowed to grow until the 12th of May. The lawn repair seed grew far better in the treated area, whilst little growth was observed in the no water area. The treated area also showed more growth than the other areas. There were also the first signs of weeds beginning to grow in the lawn - prompting treatment with weed killer in the near future.
The verge was then mowed on the 12th of May. A visual improvement to all areas can be seen in Figures 5 and 6 - due to the arrival of the rain. The treated area was significantly more improved than the other areas, as is shown in Figures 7 to 9, which shows the various areas and the thickness and consistency of the respective lawns. This demonstrates the IrriGator system at work, with the GelBlock providing constant care for the lawn. The co-polymer improved the soil, whilst the fertilisers and bio-stimulants allowed the lawn to better utilise the fertilizer and lawn repair treatments.
The Final Results After 6 Weeks
The Figures below show the final result produced at each of the areas as at the 12th of May. It can be seen that whilst the area receiving additional untreated water is in better condition, it is in no way nearly as improved as the area that was receiving GelBlock treated water. The IrriGator system provided much improved general care for the lawn, and allowed the effects of the fertilizer and lawn repair treatments to be maximised.
