Currently, drip systems have not proven reliable for lawns. However, there are efficient sprinklers for turfgrasses. Improve Your Soil Probably the most overlooked aspect of landscape water conservation is improving the soil for optimum water-holding capacity. In New Jersey, clay soils are typically found in the northern part of the state and sandy soils in the south, with a diversity of soil types in between. Clay soils are often very compact with little aeration.
Plant roots suffer from oxygen starvation and clay also binds water, causing plant roots to rot.
Sometimes, plants will wilt even when their is available soil moisture. Sandy soils have soil particles so large that they do not hold water. Water is wasted in sandy soils as it percolates below the root zone, often removing valuable plant nutrients. Improving the soil by adding organic amendments such as compost or peat moss will help increase soil aeration, water retention, and microorganism activity, and moderate pH. This will enhance soil health and nutrient availability. When redesigning your landscape, two to four inches of compost or peat moss should be incorporated into the top six to nine inches of topsoil, or approximately six cubic yards per thousand square feet.