Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

Reference crops can be used to determine which of the following?

1. Soil moisture levels

2. Plant disease resistance

3. Average ET rates

4. Water quality standards

The correct answer is: Average ET rates

Reference crops are used to establish baseline measurements for evapotranspiration (ET) rates, which play a critical role in irrigation management and water conservation practices. Understanding the ET rates of reference crops allows irrigation auditors and landscape managers to estimate water requirements for various plants under similar environmental conditions. By comparing the performance of a reference crop, professionals can assess how much water is being lost through evapotranspiration, which can then be applied to calculate irrigation needs for different plants, thereby optimizing water usage in landscape irrigation systems. This application is essential in helping to create more efficient irrigation schedules, ensuring plants receive adequate water without excess, which can lead to runoff and waste. The correct choice highlights the foundational role that reference crops play in understanding and analyzing average ET rates, which is crucial for effective landscape irrigation auditing and management.