Landscape Design Soil Science and Irrigation 2

Question 1

What is 'soil compaction' and how does it affect landscape plants?

Accepted Answer

Compression of soil particles that reduces pore space, limiting air, water, and root penetration

Answer

Soil compaction reduces the pore spaces between soil particles, limiting oxygen, water infiltration, and the ability of roots to penetrate and grow.

Question 2

An irrigation system's 'precipitation rate' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The rate (inches per hour) at which a sprinkler system applies water

Answer

Precipitation rate is the amount of water applied by an irrigation system per unit time (inches per hour), which must be matched to soil infiltration rate to prevent runoff.

Question 3

What does 'ET' (evapotranspiration) represent in irrigation scheduling?

Accepted Answer

The combined water loss from soil evaporation and plant transpiration

Answer

Evapotranspiration (ET) represents the total water lost from the landscape through soil evaporation and plant transpiration, used to calculate replacement irrigation needs.

Question 4

Which soil amendment is commonly used to improve drainage in heavy clay soils?

Accepted Answer

Coarse sand or perlite

Answer

Coarse sand or perlite added to clay soil increases pore space and improves drainage by breaking up the dense clay particle structure.

Question 5

What is a 'rain sensor' or rain shutoff device in a landscape irrigation system?

Accepted Answer

A device that automatically suspends irrigation when sufficient rainfall occurs

Answer

A rain sensor automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it detects a set amount of rainfall, preventing overwatering and wasting water after natural precipitation.

Landscape Design Practice Test

Landscape Design Practice Test

Landscape Design Soil Science and Irrigation 2