THE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF GEOTEXTILE MATERIALS USED FOR IRRIGATION WATER AND WEED CONTROL IN STONE GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Abstract

In recent years, the droughts which have been occurring as a result of global warming, indicate that we need to take serious measures regarding water saving. Contributing to the preservation of the ecological equilibrium by creating environmentally conscious projects in landscape design confronts us as a requirement of professional discipline. In this regard, the necessity to gravitate towards uses which can save water instead of wide grass fields becomes obvious. Stone garden designs, which we encounter in this very moment, present an environmentally friendly alternative to aquatic gardens. It is thought that, alongside saving water with stone garden designs, the geotextile materials used in these designs would prevent the stones sinking into soil as well as preventing the occurrence of weed, hence lessening the usage of chemicals thus generating gains with regards to decreasing soil pollution. Based on this, the performances of the texturally and structurally different geotextile materials chosen as samples were tested at the testing grounds at the Ege University Bayındır Vocational Training School Campus. Recommendations with regards to ecologically conscious stone garden landscape designing have been made in accordance with the gathered findings.