The duration for which irrigation systems are operated directly influences the health and appearance of lawns and gardens. For example, a common residential lawn might require watering for 20-30 minutes per zone, two to three times per week, dependent upon environmental conditions and sprinkler type.
Appropriate irrigation scheduling yields several benefits. It conserves water resources, minimizing unnecessary usage and reducing water bills. Furthermore, it promotes healthier plant growth by preventing both overwatering and underwatering, both of which can lead to root rot, fungal diseases, and drought stress. Historically, watering schedules were based on intuition; however, modern methods employ soil moisture sensors and weather data for increased precision.
