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Water is unequivocally the most indispensable resource for sustaining life on Earth. Its significance cannot be overstated, especially in the context of arid climates where every drop counts. However, wasteful irrigation practices continue to plague both commercial and residential sectors, exacerbating the challenges posed by aridity. This is why Resorts World Las Vegas has made water conservation a forefront of sustainability efforts since opening. As we will delve into the complexities of irrigation in arid regions, there is a sustainable solution — fertigation. By embracing proper practices, we can achieve a delicate equilibrium between nourishing plants and conserving water, thereby safeguarding the health of our ecosystems.
Arid climates present unique challenges for landscape management, characterized by dry air, relatively infertile soil and intense sunlight. Evapotranspiration, the loss of water through plant transpiration and soil evaporation, is a natural occurrence that escalates dramatically in arid regions, particularly during scorching months. Additionally, leaching, the process by which water drains through the soil, poses a significant risk in arid climates due to sandy soil textures with low water-holding capacity. These hurdles, however, can be overcome with education and the implementation of effective fertigation practices. “By embracing proper practices, we can achieve a delicate equilibrium between nourishing plants and conserving water, thereby safeguarding the health of our ecosystems.” Fertigation, the integration of fertilization and irrigation, has emerged as a powerful tool for managing soil fertility and plant health in landscapes. Resorts World Las Vegas, located in the water-scarce Las Vegas Valley, has embraced this practice to address the pressing need for water sustainability. The property sprawls over 88 acres and boasts a diverse range of plant species, from ground cover to towering 50-foot pine trees relocated from the iconic Stardust property. Adapting to the unique demands of each season is vital to ensure adequate water availability and soil fertility. One constant in this ever-changing landscape is the timing of fertigation cycles. Recognizing that evaporation accounts for a significant portion of water loss in the valley, Resorts World Las Vegas schedules fertigation just before sunrise and after sunset. This strategic timing allows water to penetrate deep into the soil profile before the onset of scorching daytime temperatures. By establishing a "water bank" that remains accessible to plants throughout the day, even as the top layers of soil become parched, this practice not only conserves water but also mitigates topsoil erosion caused by high winds. As seasons shift and temperatures cool, adjustments are made to the start/stop times to prevent over-watering and over-fertilization as many landscape plants enter dormancy. Fertigation's potential as a powerful tool hinge on its correct utilization within the landscape. During peak growth seasons, Resorts World Las Vegas maintains fertigation at a carefully calibrated rate of 160 ppm (parts per million) for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This rate has proven optimal for sustaining soil fertility without risking over-fertilization, soil acidification, or saline soil conditions. Fertigation rates are judiciously adjusted with the changing seasons and irrigation schedules, as the nutrient requirements of the landscape fluctuate accordingly. Looking ahead, Resorts World Las Vegas is committed to enhancing water sustainability in its landscape management. Plans are underway to implement a groundwater reclamation system in the next year or two, allowing the property to repurpose previously used irrigation water. This innovative project will involve pumping water from underground sump pits, treating it through pre-filters and reverse osmosis and storing it in tanks for use as supplemental irrigation water. This forward-thinking initiative not only reduces water consumption at the meter but also recycles water that was previously considered lost. Water sustainability is a collective responsibility within the agricultural sector, ensuring that future generations will have access to this invaluable resource. Ultimately, water's role as a life-giving resource in arid climates cannot be overstated. Sustainable irrigation practices, exemplified by fertigation, offer a path to harmonizing plant health with water conservation. Resorts World Las Vegas serves as a compelling case study, demonstrating the efficacy of these practices in a water-scarce region. By embracing innovative approaches and assuming shared responsibility for water sustainability, we can ensure the longevity of this critical resource for generations to come.