CLA CLA Irrigation & Water Management

Question 1

What does 'ET' stand for in irrigation scheduling, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Evapotranspiration — the combined water loss from soil evaporation and plant transpiration

Answer

Estimated total runoff

Answer

Elevation threshold for pressure zones

Answer

Emitter type for drip systems

Question 2

Which irrigation head type delivers water directly to the root zone and is most efficient for water conservation?

Accepted Answer

Drip emitter

Answer

Rotary pop-up head

Answer

Fixed spray head

Answer

Impact sprinkler

Question 3

What is the purpose of a backflow preventer in a landscape irrigation system?

Accepted Answer

Prevent irrigation water from flowing back into the potable water supply

Answer

Regulate water pressure to sprinkler heads

Answer

Reduce pipe pressure surges

Answer

Filter particulates from the water supply

Question 4

What does 'precipitation rate' mean for a sprinkler system, and in what unit is it expressed?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which water is applied to the landscape, expressed in inches per hour

Answer

Total gallons used per irrigation cycle

Answer

The number of sprinkler heads per zone

Answer

Water pressure at the head, expressed in PSI

Question 5

A 'smart' irrigation controller adjusts watering schedules based on:

Accepted Answer

Weather data or soil moisture sensors to match actual plant water needs

Answer

Preset timer only

Answer

Manual input from the homeowner each day

Answer

The number of zones in the system

Question 6

What is the minimum recommended operating pressure for most standard pop-up rotary sprinkler heads?

Accepted Answer

25–30 PSI

Answer

10–15 PSI

Answer

45–55 PSI

Answer

70–80 PSI