Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

What is one disadvantage of a simple irrigation schedule?

1. It requires extensive planning

2. It may not provide adequate water based on varying needs

3. It is too complex for most homeowners

4. It doesn't account for seasonal changes

The correct answer is: It may not provide adequate water based on varying needs

A simple irrigation schedule typically operates under fixed times and durations for watering, which does not take into account the varying water needs of different plants or changes in environmental conditions. This can lead to over-watering or under-watering specific areas of a landscape, resulting in unhealthy plants, wasted water, and inefficient resource use. Different plants have unique requirements based on their species, stage of growth, and environmental factors such as sun exposure and soil type. Thus, a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to inadequate irrigation, making the option about varying water needs the most accurate representation of a disadvantage of a simple irrigation schedule. The other options present scenarios that either do not align with the nature of simple irrigation schedules or misrepresent their characteristics. For instance, requiring extensive planning is generally more associated with complex or tailored irrigation systems, while simplicity itself makes these schedules accessible rather than too complex for most homeowners. Similarly, while a simple irrigation schedule may not optimally adjust for seasonal changes, it is primarily the inability to address varying plant needs that’s the core issue.