Irrigation Irrigation
Irrigation Requirements
Know how much your plants need.
Know how much water each part of your watering system applies.
Match your system’s output to your plant’s needs.
Irrigation System FactorsIrrigation System Factors
Soil type and conditionSoil type and condition
Plant type and plant sizePlant type and plant size
Condition of the waterCondition of the water
Weather and climate informationWeather and climate information
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DepthDepth Size of Size of PlantsPlants
ExamplesExamples
1 Foot1 Foot SmallSmall Ground covers, Ground covers, cacti and cacti and bedding plantsbedding plants
2 Feet2 Feet MediumMedium ShrubsShrubs
3 Feet3 Feet LargeLarge TreesTrees
1, 2, 3 Rule
Irrigation System Irrigation System Design ObjectiveDesign Objective
Supply adequate waterSupply adequate water
At the correct time and durationAt the correct time and duration
Irrigation System TypesIrrigation System Types
SprinklersSprinklers– RotatingRotating– Fixed SprayFixed Spray– MicroMicro
DripDrip– Basic dripBasic drip– Drip tubingDrip tubing– BubblersBubblers
Irrigation System FactorsIrrigation System Factors
Irrigation zonesIrrigation zones
Emitters – type, number, location and Emitters – type, number, location and outputoutput
DepthDepth
Correct Irrigation LossesCorrect Irrigation Losses
Spray drift, wind and evaporationSpray drift, wind and evaporation
Deep percolationDeep percolation
Uniformity lossesUniformity losses
Runoff lossesRunoff losses
Irrigation System Irrigation System MaintenanceMaintenance
Inspect for proper operation
Move emitters if required
Newly planted vs. established plants
Drain system prior to winter
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Water WisdomWater Wisdom
When you give plants more water When you give plants more water than they need, they will grow more than they need, they will grow more than they should, and you have to do than they should, and you have to do more pruning and mowing.more pruning and mowing.
While fertilizers promote plant While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer as needed.amount of fertilizer as needed.
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Water WisdomWater Wisdom
With sprinklers, water in the early With sprinklers, water in the early morning - about 1 to 3 hours before morning - about 1 to 3 hours before sunrise.sunrise.
Because of different watering needs, Because of different watering needs, it is best to place trees and shrubs on it is best to place trees and shrubs on separate lines.separate lines.
Pull weeds so they do not steal water Pull weeds so they do not steal water from your plantsfrom your plants
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Water WisdomWater Wisdom
If you place mulch over plants’ root If you place mulch over plants’ root zones, moisture will stay in the soil zones, moisture will stay in the soil longer.longer.
Water deep to root zone vs watering Water deep to root zone vs watering often.often.
Do not over water OR underwater.Do not over water OR underwater.
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XeriscapingXeriscapingPrinciplesPrinciples
Water-wise planning and designWater-wise planning and design Low water use/drought tolerant plants Low water use/drought tolerant plants Limited lawn areasLimited lawn areas Efficient irrigation design and equipment Efficient irrigation design and equipment Water harvesting techniques Water harvesting techniques Surface mulches and soil amendments Surface mulches and soil amendments
(where appropriate) (where appropriate) Proper maintenance practicesProper maintenance practices