Irrigation & Water Management Flashcards

What is the primary advantage of drip irrigation over overhead sprinklers?

Answer: Delivers water directly to root zone with less evaporation

Drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation losses and reducing foliar disease risk.

Evapotranspiration (ET) data is used in irrigation scheduling to:

Answer: Estimate how much water plants use and need to replace

ET values quantify water lost through evaporation and plant transpiration, helping irrigators apply exactly the amount needed to maintain soil moisture.

Which type of sprinkler head is best suited for large turf areas?

Answer: Rotary/rotor head

Rotary (rotor) heads rotate and throw water over large distances, making them efficient and cost-effective for large turf areas.

Backflow prevention devices are required in irrigation systems to:

Answer: Prevent contaminated water from entering the potable supply

Backflow preventers stop irrigation water (which may contain fertilizers or pesticides) from flowing back into the public drinking water supply.

What is 'hydraulic zoning' in irrigation design?

Answer: Dividing areas by plant water need and pressure requirements

Hydraulic zoning groups plants with similar water needs and designs zones based on flow rate and pressure to ensure uniform coverage.

The term 'distribution uniformity' (DU) measures:

Answer: How evenly water is applied across an irrigated area

Distribution uniformity (DU) is a percentage that indicates how evenly an irrigation system applies water across the coverage area.