Results from the EARTH-KINDTM Challenge...

Thank you for participating in the EARTH-KINDTM Challenge. Your score is 93.

Following is a summary of your responses along with the best EARTH-KINDTM practices for creating a healthy and sustainable landscape environment. Responses are grouped into five categories (NEEDS IMPROVEMENT, FAIR, GOOD, EXCELLENT, OUTSTANDING) depending on the degree to which you adhere to EARTH-KINDTM practices in your landscape. NOTE: Your practices that are consistent with EARTH-KINDTM principles are marked with a green check; areas of potential improvement are denoted by a red X.

Since your score is between 90 - 100 your landscape management is OUTSTANDING     

How much turf area does the landscape include? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

How much turf area does the landscape include? You answered less than 10%.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Are plants with like water requirements grouped together in the landscape (hydrozoning)? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

How much organic matter has been incorporated in to landscape planting areas? You answered more than 50%.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

What percent of the landscape is made up of plant materials with an Earth Kind Index of 8 or higher? You answered more than 50%.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

What percent of the landscape is mulched? You answered more than 50%.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

How often is mulch added to landscape areas? You answered more than 3 times a year.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Does the landscape include an automatic sprinkler system? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

What percent of the landscape is irrigated with a drip or low-volume irrigation system? You responded that the irrigation system consists of 25% or less drip or low-volume irrigation.
The best EARTH-KINDTM strategy is to irrigate your landscape with 50% or more drip or low-volume irrigation.
Overhead irrigation systems tend to loose a significant volume of water to runoff and evaporation. Drip and low volume irrigation systems (i.e. soaker hoses, leaky pipe, etc.) apply water directly to the soil surface which reduces loses and conserves water. For additional information, see Water Conservation.

Has a site inspection of the irrigation system been conducted? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Has a performance test of the irrigation system been conducted? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Is irrigation scheduling based on the results of an irrigation system audit? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Approximately how much fertilizer is applied at each application? You answered 2 LBS OF ACTUAL NITROGEN/1000 SQ FT OR LESS.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

How often is fertilizer applied to the landscape? You answered 2 TIMES A YEAR OR LESSDo the fertilizers applied contain no/low phosphorus (unless specified in soil analysis)?
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Do the fertilizers applied contain no/low phosphorus (unless specified in soil analysis)? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

What is the principle means of controlling insects and diseases in the landscape? You answered CULTURAL, BIOLOGICAL, OR MECHANICAL.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Are all available pest control options considered before applying a chemical pesticide in the landscape? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Do you promote beneficial insects in the landscape? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Do you carefully read the label before applying chemical fertilizers/pesticides to the landscape? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Are all chemical fertilizers/pesticides stored in a secure, well-ventilated area which is not readily accessible to children or animals? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

What percent of yard wastes are bagged and placed curbside for disposal? You answered LESS THAN 10%.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Are yard wastes composted on-site? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Is landscape irrigation supplemented with harvested rainfall? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Does the landscape provide native habitat that conserves resources and provides food, water and shelter for birds and other wildlife? You answered YES.
Your response is consistent with good EARTH-KINDTM practices.

Regardless of your score everyone can do MORE towards preserving and protecting our environment. We encourage you to visit our web site for more valuable information on how YOU can make a difference.

EarthKind.tamu.edu


We Need Your Assistance...
We would like your feedback on the EARTH-KINDTM Challenge Program you have just completed. Your answers will help us determine whether we are meeting needs in this critical area. We will also use your responses to improve this program. Please take a moment to tell us whether your knowledge has changed as a result of your experience.