IrrigationIrrigation

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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66

How Much Water Do Your How Much Water Do Your Plants NeedPlants Need

66

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8888

99

How Often Do We Need to How Often Do We Need to Water?Water?

99

1010

11111111

1212

How Deep Should You How Deep Should You Water?Water?

1212

13131313

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

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Irrigation SystemIrrigation System

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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

20202020

21212121

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TIPSTIPS

24242323

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