Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

What is the recommended spacing of sprinklers in relation to the nozzle diameter?

1. 25%

2. 50%

3. 75%

4. 100%

The correct answer is: 50%

The recommended spacing of sprinklers in relation to the nozzle diameter is typically set at 50%. This guideline is based on achieving effective water distribution and minimizing overlap between sprinkler patterns. When sprinklers are spaced correctly, each sprinkler can work efficiently to cover area without creating dry spots or over-saturating adjacent areas, which can lead to runoff or erosion. Using this 50% spacing ratio ensures that the spray patterns of adjacent sprinklers overlap sufficiently to provide uniform coverage. This overlap is crucial for maintaining optimal soil moisture levels across the irrigated area, which helps in promoting healthy plant growth and conserving water resources. Other spacing percentages, such as 25%, 75%, or 100%, would not provide the same level of efficient irrigation coverage. For instance, a 25% spacing might result in insufficient overlap, leading to dry patches, while 100% spacing could lead to excessive overlap and increased runoff, wasting water and resources. Thus, the 50% spacing guideline serves as an effective standard in irrigation design and management.