Irrigation and Water Management Flashcards

What is water hammer in an irrigation system and how is it prevented?

Answer: Pressure surge from rapid valve closure, prevented by slow-closing valves

Water hammer is a damaging pressure spike caused by rapid valve closure; it is prevented by using slow-closing solenoid valves or pressure regulators.

Which EPA program helps consumers identify water-efficient irrigation products and practices?

Answer: WaterSense

EPA's WaterSense program labels water-efficient irrigation controllers, sprinkler heads, and other products that meet efficiency standards.

What does an ET-based or smart irrigation controller use to adjust watering schedules?

Answer: Evapotranspiration data from weather sensors

ET-based controllers use local evapotranspiration data combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation to automatically adjust irrigation run times.

What is head-to-head coverage in sprinkler system design?

Answer: Each sprinkler's throw radius reaches the adjacent sprinkler head

Head-to-head coverage means each sprinkler is spaced so its water throw reaches the next head, ensuring 100 percent coverage and uniform water distribution.

Which soil type requires shorter, more frequent irrigation cycles due to its low infiltration rate?

Answer: Clay soil

Clay soil has a very low infiltration rate and is prone to runoff, requiring short, cycled irrigation to allow water to penetrate slowly.

What is the recommended maximum soil moisture deficit before irrigating established turfgrass?

Answer: 50 percent of plant available water depleted

Irrigating when approximately 50 percent of plant available water is depleted balances turf health with water conservation and avoids stress or waste.