Landscape Design Irrigation and Water Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of irrigation system delivers water directly to the root zone to minimize evaporation and overspray?
- Drip irrigation (Correct answer)
- Spray head system
- Rotor system
- Flood irrigation
Correct answer: Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation uses emitters placed at the root zone to deliver water slowly and directly, reducing evaporation, runoff, and disease from wet foliage.
Question 2: What is a backflow preventer in an irrigation system?
- Device that prevents irrigation water from flowing back into the potable water supply (Correct answer)
- Valve that stops water if a sprinkler breaks
- Timer that shuts off the system automatically
- Filter that removes sediment from water
Correct answer: Device that prevents irrigation water from flowing back into the potable water supply
A backflow preventer is a required safety device that prevents contaminated irrigation water from siphoning back into the domestic drinking water supply.
Question 3: Which irrigation head type is best suited for large turf areas due to its long throw radius?
- Rotor head (Correct answer)
- Pop-up spray head
- Drip emitter
- Micro-spray
Correct answer: Rotor head
Rotor heads rotate and throw water in a stream pattern over distances of 15 to 50 feet, making them ideal for large turf and open areas.
Question 4: What does precipitation rate mean in the context of irrigation design?
- The rate at which water is applied to the landscape in inches per hour (Correct answer)
- The amount of rainfall recorded in a season
- The water pressure at the sprinkler head
- The frequency of irrigation cycles
Correct answer: The rate at which water is applied to the landscape in inches per hour
Precipitation rate is the depth of water applied by an irrigation system per unit time, which must match the soil's infiltration rate to prevent runoff.
Question 5: What is the matched precipitation rate (MPR) principle in irrigation design?
- All heads in a zone deliver the same precipitation rate regardless of arc (Correct answer)
- Matching irrigation output to rainfall amounts
- Setting rotor and spray heads in the same zone
- Adjusting pressure to match flow requirements
Correct answer: All heads in a zone deliver the same precipitation rate regardless of arc
MPR nozzles ensure that quarter, half, and full circle heads in the same zone deliver water at the same rate per square foot, preventing over and under watering.
Question 6: What US organization offers the Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) credential?
- Irrigation Association (Correct answer)
- EPA WaterSense Program
- NALP
- ASLA
Correct answer: Irrigation Association
The Irrigation Association offers the Certified Irrigation Designer credential, recognizing professionals with expertise in irrigation system design.
Landscape Design Irrigation and Water Management 1
What type of irrigation system delivers water directly to the root zone to minimize evaporation and overspray?