CIT Drip and Micro-Irrigation Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a micro-spray head used for in irrigation?
- High-volume turf irrigation
- Low-volume fine-spray distribution for groundcovers and shrubs (Correct answer)
- Tree bubbler applications
- High-pressure cleaning
Correct answer: Low-volume fine-spray distribution for groundcovers and shrubs
Micro-spray heads deliver water in a fine low-volume spray pattern, applying more water than drip emitters but less than standard sprinklers, suited for shrubs and groundcovers.
Question 2: What is a bubbler emitter best suited for?
- Long-distance lateral distribution
- Delivering high flow directly to the base of trees or large shrubs (Correct answer)
- Slope irrigation on steep grades
- Turf areas over 1,000 sq ft
Correct answer: Delivering high flow directly to the base of trees or large shrubs
Bubblers deliver high flow rates (0.5–2+ GPH) directly at the base of trees or shrubs to fill a watering basin around the root zone.
Question 3: What is subsurface drip irrigation (SDI)?
- Drip lines laid on top of mulch
- Drip tubing buried below the soil surface to deliver water directly to the root zone (Correct answer)
- Overhead misting below the tree canopy
- Drip systems in greenhouse benches
Correct answer: Drip tubing buried below the soil surface to deliver water directly to the root zone
SDI places drip tubing below the soil surface to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing surface evaporation and eliminating above-ground hardware.
Question 4: What is the typical flow rate range for a standard drip emitter?
- 1–5 gallons per minute (GPM)
- 0.5–2 gallons per hour (GPH) (Correct answer)
- 10–20 gallons per hour (GPH)
- 0.01–0.05 GPH
Correct answer: 0.5–2 gallons per hour (GPH)
Standard drip emitters flow at 0.5–2 gallons per hour (GPH), delivering water very slowly to minimize runoff and maximize absorption.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a flush end cap at the end of a drip lateral line?
- To connect additional lateral tubing
- To allow periodic flushing of sediment and debris from the line (Correct answer)
- To increase pressure at the end of the run
- To measure emitter output
Correct answer: To allow periodic flushing of sediment and debris from the line
Flush end caps can be removed to allow water to flush sediment and debris from the ends of drip laterals, preventing emitter clogging.
Question 6: What is 'in-line drip tubing'?
- Emitters snapped onto the outside of poly tubing
- Tubing with emitters pre-installed at regular intervals inside the pipe (Correct answer)
- Tubing running inline with the main water supply
- Adjustable micro-spray heads on riser tubes
Correct answer: Tubing with emitters pre-installed at regular intervals inside the pipe
In-line drip tubing has emitters pre-installed at fixed spacing inside the tubing itself, eliminating the need to punch and insert individual emitters.
CIT Drip and Micro-Irrigation Systems 2
What is a micro-spray head used for in irrigation?