Irrigation Installation, Operation and Maintenance Flashcards
What are the two main types of irrigation systems used for landscape plants and where would they typically be used in a landscape?
Sprinkler Irrigation
Drip Irrigation: shrubs and trees
What is meant by matched precipitation rate (MPR) of sprinkler nozzles?
half circle sprinklers don’t cover as much area so you half the spray so they match the MPR usually indicated in Gallons per Minute.
Why install flexible swing joints on pop-up sprinkler heads?
So you have some flexibility off the main line and can place the sprinkler where needed.
This also prevents it from breaking if a vehicle were to run over it.
What are some of the advantages of drip irrigation over sprinkler irrigation?
cheaper install, uses less water and targets the root zone directly so it’s not wasting water.
Describe the various components of a drip irrigation system?
Flexible tubing, emitters or porous pipe, main polyethylene tubing, filter, pressure regulator, valves and a cap for the end.
How should you check the application rate of a sprinkler system?
Place several rain gauges in the area for an hour and take the average.
When is the best time to irrigate with sprinkler irrigation?
Between 9PM and 9AM when there is less wind and evaporation that occurs. Drip irrigation can be used during the day where evaporation isn’t a problem and foliage stays dry.
What is a rainfall sensor and how does it work?
It detects rainfall and turns off the sprinklers or prevents it from operating if adequate rainfall is detected.
How can you tell when turfgrass needs irrigation?
Color will be a dull bluish green and leaves will curl. Footprints will remain on the lawn longer and won’t spring back.
When drought occurs, which plants in the landscape generally require more water? Considering replacement costs, how would you prioritize your watering schedule?
Annuals, herbaceous ornamentals will require more water and will be the first to show signs of drought. Water these more often, but also remember than they are cheaper to replace than Woody ornamentals.
