Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

What should be adjusted if an area is receiving too much water?

1. Soil type

2. Sprinkler configuration

3. Weather patterns

4. Plant routines

The correct answer is: Sprinkler configuration

Adjusting the sprinkler configuration is essential in managing areas that receive too much water. The arrangement, spacing, and operation of sprinklers can significantly influence the distribution of water across a landscape. If certain areas are overwatered, it typically indicates that the sprinklers in that section may not be optimized for the specific conditions of the site. By modifying the sprinkler configuration, such as redirecting or changing the angles of the heads, adjusting the spacing between them, or using different types of nozzles, it is possible to ensure that water is applied more uniformly and only where it is needed. This is crucial for promoting healthy plant growth, preventing water wastage, and minimizing issues related to overwatering, such as root rot, fungal growth, and nutrient leaching. While factors like soil type, weather patterns, and plant routines can impact water requirements, they are less controllable in the immediate management of irrigation. Adjusting the sprinkler configuration directly addresses the problem of overwatering by modifying how water is applied.