Drought is a phenomenon that happens all over the world. However, some places may experience this more than others. In the US, it is more likely to occur in the South and Midwest. You may be wondering what exactly a Nebraska drought looks like and how it can affect your lawn.
Nebraska Drought Conditions Affecting Lawn Care
Drought is a natural disaster where any precipitation, such as rain or snow, does not occur for an extended period of time. This can lead to reduced soil moisture, decreased flow in streams, and water shortages. Some droughts happen because of natural causes, while others may result from human activity. Such instances may include excessive water use and the mismanagement of water resources in the area. Moreover, what is considered a drought may also vary from region to region.
Droughts can have a number of negative effects on the surroundings and Nebraska is no stranger to these. Different industries may experience economic damages and losses because of this phenomenon. Industries such as agriculture, tourism, fishery, energy production, and transportation are among those who can suffer greatly from droughts. For homeowners, a drought can mean big trouble for their luscious, green lawns. If this is a problem that you’ve been dealing with, read on to find out what you can do to address it.
Meteorological Drought
Drought is considered meteorological if it is caused by certain weather patterns. It can happen due to lack of precipitation, increased temperatures, high winds, and decreased levels of humidity. Compared to other types, meteorological droughts have the shortest time duration.
Agricultural Drought
Agricultural drought has a longer duration than meteorological drought. This type of drought is indicated by insufficient moisture in the soil layers to sustain crops and vegetation. As a result, this can lead to lower yields as well as lower quality of produce.
Hydrological Drought
Hydrological droughts are characterized by significantly lower water levels in hydrological systems. This type of drought usually manifests through weaker streamflow in rivers as well as decreased water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and groundwater systems. Hydrological drought has the longest duration out of all the other types, making it the most extreme drought form.
Some Common Methods of Lawn Care
There may come a time where you might be experiencing problems with your lawn because of an ongoing drought in or near your area. This is especially true for those living in warmer states. Below, we’ve gathered some information that can help you take better care of your lawn and keep it safe from dry conditions.
Additional Resource: Nebraska Drought Monitor
Watering
During a drought, the water from your lawn is being evaporated by the heat. As a result, you will need to provide it with the moisture it’s missing. It is recommended that you water your lawn early in the morning. Watering in the morning helps lessen evaporation throughout the day. However, keep in mind that overwatering will do more harm than good. Be sure to water consistently, but not excessively.
Fertilizing
Fertilizers are an essential part of lawn care. You can think of fertilizer as vitamins and supplements for your lawn that will help with overall growth. Most services recommend that fertilizing should be done only three to six times per year depending on your location as well as the specific needs of your lawn. However, you may want to put fertilizing on hold during a drought since it may put additional stress on the grass.
Downsizing
The water shortages that droughts can cause have urged the creation of different policies and restrictions to encourage water conservation. Downsizing is oftentimes a practical solution. When you choose to downsize it can save you time, energy, and resources. If you have children or pets and enjoy using the lawn as a play area, downsizing can also help make the area easier to maintain.
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