Ch 4. Water Management

Question 1

available water

Answer 1

water remaining in the soil after gravitational water has drained and before the permanent wilting point has been reached

Question 2

bubblers

Answer 2

localized, low-pressure irrigation devices that apply water into basins around trees; often used on groves

Question 3

drip irrigation

Answer 3

method of minimizing evaporation and runoff by applying water slowly through small emitters

Question 4

evapotranspiration (ET)

Answer 4

loss of water by evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration by plants

Question 5

field capacity

Answer 5

maximum soil moisture content following the drainage of water due to the force of gravity

Question 6

hydrozone

Answer 6

landscape area for grouping plants in a landscape according to their water and/or irrigation requirements

Question 7

infiltration (3)

Answer 7

(1) downward entry of water into the soil. (2) entry of fine particles into drainage or aeration systems; can lead to system clogging and failure. (3) downward entry of materials from one soil or fill layer to another, as when a gravel road surface mixes with underlying soil.

Question 8

infiltration rate

Answer 8

speed at which water penetrates the soil

Question 9

minimum irrigation

Answer 9

practice of minimizing irrigation needs through the use of drought-tolerant plants and watering only when necessary

Question 10

percolation

Answer 10

movement of water through the soil

Question 11

percolation rate

Answer 11

the rate that water moves through the soil

Question 12

salinity

Answer 12

amount or percentage of salt in the soil

Question 13

soil moisture reservoir

Answer 13

the volume of water available depending on the volume of soil occupied by plant roots and the water-holding capacity of the soil.

Question 14

spray irrigation

Answer 14

method of applying water to plants through a network of spray emitters (sprinkler irrigation)

Question 15

tensiometer

Answer 15

instrument used to measure soil moisture

Question 16

turgid

Answer 16

fully hydrated to a normal state of distension

Question 17

water budget

Answer 17

a calculation, based on precipitation and environmental factors, that establishes the minimum irrigation needed to maintain plant health

Question 18

water-holding capacity

Answer 18

ability of a soil to hold moisture

Question 19

xeriscaping

Answer 19

use of plant materials (usually native plants) and practices that minimize water use. Term for environmentally friendly form of landscaping