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Xeriscaping Feasibility As an Urban Adaptation Method for Global Warming: a Case Study from Turkey

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Xeriscaping Feasibility As an Urban Adaptation Method for Global Warming: a Case Study from Turkey Pol. J. Environ. Stud. Vol. 27, No. 3 (2018), 1009-1018 DOI: 10.15244/pjoes/76678 ONLINE PUBLICATION DATE: 2018-02-05 Original Research Xeriscaping Feasibility as an Urban Adaptation Method for Global Warming: A Case Study from Turkey Nefise Çetin1, Sibel Mansuroğlu1, Ayşe Kalaycı Önaç2* 1Akdeniz University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture 2Kastamonu University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture Received: 31 May 2017 Accepted: 26 August 2017 Abstract Green spaces are of great importance in the image of a city. But water resources are gradually decreasing due to the increase in world population, climate change related to global warming, unconscious consumption of water resources, and pollution. In landscaping, incorrect plant choices and the use of grass in expansive areas may also increase pressure on limited water resources. In summer, scenes of yellow, dry, and even dead landscaping designs are increasingly common where correct landscaping designs are not employed. This study consists of data collected to obtain a better understanding of the study area, Antalya/Konyaalti, regarding its natural features and xeriscape, and a cost estimate of construction and maintenance of a proposed design project. It was prepared taking into consideration the existing landscape design and the xeriscape principles of the pilot park. Results were compared in terms of economic and environmental contributions. From the perspective of the literature review to date, this study is one of the first aimed at determining the construction and maintenance costs of xeriscape practices to be conducted on a park scale in the context of public spaces nationally and internationally. The potential benefits of the xeriscape in Mediterranean conditions have been quantitatively and qualitatively demonstrated. Recommendations are made for the redesign of the existing park based on xeriscaping, which could save 57.24% of the construction costs and 54.91% in annual maintenance costs. We conclude that xeriscaping can contribute to ecology by providing water savings, reducing chemical use, and preventing soil pollution. Keywords: xeriscape, landscape design, feasibility analysis Introduction interest or the care of resources. Over time, along with the emergence of public recreational spaces, it has become The development of the art of landscape gardening, clear that existing natural resources should also be dating back to 4000 B.C., shows that historically gardens protected and managed [1]. Although more than 70% of were made for personal taste and use rather than for public the Earth’s surface is covered in water, usable freshwater is extremely limited, comprising just 2.5% of the total. Most of this freshwater exists either underground in subterranean aquifers or locked up in polar ice caps and *e-mail: [email protected] glaciers. Only 1.2% is available as surface freshwater 1010 Çetin N., et al. contained in rivers, lakes, streams, and the atmosphere the percentage differential in water savings. Using [2]. computer models, Baykan and Birişçi [22] and Şahin Choiński et al. [3] emphasize that most water resources [23] selected and designed areas according to xeriscaping are consumed by anthropogenic factors, and this impacts methods, emphasizing points that should be taken into climate conditions. Among the greatest challenges for consideration: plant selection, massing of plants needing architects and planners today are reducing operating similar growth conditions, mulching, etc. Wade et al. costs and creating more livable spaces in urban areas [24] and Welsh [25] examined housing gardens before through sustainable designs. Efficient water management and after implementing xeriscape practices for plants that simulates the natural hydrological cycle is one of the and irrigation. Researchers such as Taner [26], Çakıroğlu key elements of sustainable design [4-5]. [27], Şahin [23], Keane [28], Welsh [25], and Wade et al. Some researchers, such as Knox [6], Aklanoğlu [24] described the xerotolerant (drought tolerant) plant [7], Barış [8], and Ertop [9] have pointed out that water species that can be used in xeriscaping. resources are gradually decreasing and so water-saving A landscape design that is carried out in order to use landscape designs should be preferred to classical less water should include [5, 29]: landscape concepts. Xeriscaping is a holistic approach – Land grading. that uses planning, designing, and selecting appropriate – Soil analysis and amendments. indigenous plant species, water-efficient irrigation – Appropriate plant selection and proper use of turf. techniques, and other practices to make landscaping – Efficient irrigation techniques considering the local more sustainable [10]. It has been suggested by many climate. researchers also for capturing a large amount of CO2 with – Use of mulches. few irrigation requirements [11-12]. There are a number of – Suitable fertilizers and pesticides. strategies, tools, alternatives, and management practices – Regular maintenance of planting and irrigation that can significantly reduce or conserve water use in systems. urban landscapes. Use of water-conserving landscape The objectives of this study, which was conducted in plants and designs suitable for each soil type and climate the province of Konyaaltı, Antalya (Turkey), are: have been predominantly promoted as foundational – To demonstrate the feasibility of xeriscaping in components of water conservation [13-15]. These Mediterranean conditions using both quantitative and approaches make possible eco-friendly landscaping, qualitative values. which reduces construction and maintenance costs of – To draw the attention of institutions and organizations green areas, favoring both nature and the economy [16]. that are interested in the quantitative benefits of the The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [17] describes xeriscape design. the specific benefits of xeriscaping as: – To increase the efficiency of green areas, especially “Reduced water use, decreased energy use (less in summer, and to enable sustainable landscaping pumping and treatment required), reduced heating and designs. cooling costs because of carefully placed trees, decreased – To contribute to the spread of xeriscaping practices. stormwater and irrigation runoff, fewer yard wastes, – To use natural resources – especially water – increased habitat for plants and animals, and lower labor economically. and maintenance costs.” – To obtain outcomes that will contribute to the The principles of xeriscaping are listed as [18-19]: environment and the economy. – Design the landscape based on a whole site analysis. In accordance with the above-mentioned goals, – Limit turf areas and use grasses appropriate for the information about xeriscaping was obtained and data region. was collected on the natural features of the Konyaaltı – Amend poor soils to increase water absorption and District, and then the cost of the proposed design projects retention. (construction and maintenance) were calculated based – Mulch plantings to reduce evapotranspiration. on comparing an existing public space selected from – Select plant material that is naturally adaptable to site the Konyaaltı area and a proposed xeriscape plan. The conditions. resulting data were analyzed in terms of their economic – Use water-efficient irrigation systems. and environmental contributions. Some suggestions are – Maintain landscapes appropriately. made for Mediterranean conditions on the basis of the A number of comparative studies have examined Konyaaltı case, and then the feasibility of the Xeriscape the outcomes of xeriscaping versus traditional methods. is discussed for Mediterranean conditions in general. Wade and Weatherly [20] designed two imaginary residential gardens – one based on xeriscaping and one on classical landscaping – and then calculated and compared Material and Methods the annual costs of water consumption, maintenance, wastewater, and water bills. Also in the United States, Material Santo [21] comparatively examined xeriscaping principles and established practices in the region around The Konyaaltı District is one of the five central Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.A.) and other states, and calculated districts of Antalya – the tourism capital in southern Xeriscaping Feasibility as an Urban... 1011 Fig. 1. Location of study area. Turkey known for its world-famous coast – and from Method among the public spaces in that region that focus on the park in its Siteler Neighborhood (Fig. 1). Research was carried out in four stages in the field and Konyaaltı, with a surface area of 562.4 km2, has a in the office (Fig. 2). population of 145.648 according to 2014 census figures First, a literature review was conducted about [30-31] and features 127 parks, two squares, five outdoor the xeriscape and data were collected on the natural sports venues, and other green areas within its municipal structural properties (geology, morphology, soil, borders [32]. The geological structure of the research hydrology, and climate) of the Konyaaltı District. Then area was obtained from the 1/100,000-scale geological a small park in the Konyaaltı area was re-envisioned map prepared by the General Directorate of Mineral based on xeriscaping principles, and the costs of Research and Exploration [33]. The soil properties of the study area were determined using the map prepared by the General Directorate of Rural Services [34], and its report, Antalya Land Assets [35]. In order
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