2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Florida enjoys an abundance of lakes, rivers and coastal waters, many with densely populated urbanized watersheds. Urban landscaping practices, including water, fertilizer and pesticide use, contribute to nonpoint source pollutant loading to surface and ground waters. Landscaping and lawn care is a major business in Florida, employing tens of thousands of green industry professionals. To help minimize the potential nonpoint source loading from inappropriate landscaping practices, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), trains thousands of landscape professionals statewide through the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Training Program. The state of Florida requires this training for all landscape professionals who apply fertilizers. The training program has four main program goals: reducing off-site transport of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides to surface water or groundwater; promoting appropriate site design and plant selection; using appropriate rates and methods for irrigation and fertilizer application; and promoting integrated pest management (IPM) practices. The GI-BMP training includes six learning modules covering efficient use of water and fertilizer, integrated pest management, fertilizer application, and pollution-minimizing lawn and landscape cultural practices. Course delivery is available through several formats, including in-person classes, or self-paced instruction available online or through a DVD. Courses are available in English and Spanish, with Haitian Creole available through in-person classes. Those persons successfully completing the training and a written exam receive formal GI-BMP certification. During 2016, a network of some 250 instructors offered 162 in-person classes and, including all teaching formats, 4051 persons were certified. Since the program’s start in 2006, over 48,000 persons received training, with 37,125 of these trainees receiving their GI-BMP certification. Surveys conducted 6 months after each training class assess the extent to which trainees have changed their landscaping behaviors and practices to conserve water and reduce pollutants. These surveys found that, post-training, 93-98% of the attendees used the GI-BMPs on a regular basis and that there was a 26% increase in those who always use the following practices: apply no more than 0.5-0.75 inches (1.27-1.91 cm) water per irrigation event (for water savings of 25-50%); avoid mulching around tree trunks and shrub bases; reset irrigation controls/timers seasonally; reduce fertilizer application; and use integrated pest management. Further, the post-training surveys documented adoption of new technologies, specifically 72% using soil tests to determine fertilizer needs and 85% using soil moisture or other sensing devices to ensure effective water use.