Landscape and Irrigation * DeVille Hubbard LI1836

Good Management Practices ( GMP's) for Scheduling Landscape Irrigation

The objective of the GMP's is to clarify an agreed upon process that compliments or gives a foundation to other generally accepted scheduling methods. Scheduling irrigation has regional and site specific attributes and precedes the final step of programming controllers.

1. Inspect -Thoroughly inspect and evaluate each zone of the landscape irrigation system and make all needed repairs to insure proper head alignment, matched equipment in each zone, correct water pressure and optimum performance.

2. Measurements - Perform a Catch Can Audit by Irrigation Association or Texas A&M guidelines and calculate the Precipitation rate (Pr) and Distribution Uniformity (UD) in each zone. Make additional repairs or adjustments to improve the Distribution Uniformity (minor equipment changes if necessary).

3. Determine Calculation Factors - Determine the proper factors to be used in the calculations such as; soil structure, crop types (Kc) , acceptable stress levels, along with other pertinent factors.

4. Historical ET References - Determine the historical ET and rainfall amounts as needed for the geographic location of the controller. Historical data is helpful for seasonal adjustments.

5. Calculate - Calculate the irrigation schedule based on plant needs and historical ET/rainfall amounts with your calculations or software options, and develop the weekly irrigation schedule for the year for each zone of the system and program controller in a manner to reduce water runoff.

6. Inspect - Inspect and correct the clocks: time, date, am/pm, back up battery, and zip code as needed. Insure weather sensors are in good working order and exposed to the elements.

7. Program - Program the calculated run time schedule (calculated from above methods) into the controller in a manner to reduce water runoff. Use cycle soak times or features if possible. Before entering the start days and times desired, inquire with the City for any requirements or restrictions. Schedules may be programmed weekly, monthly or yearly depending on the controller and schedule method.

8. Monitor - Monitor the landscape plants and real time ETo and make adjustments as needed. Check soil moisture with probe or sensor whenever possible. Monitor performance data if the controller provides such information.

9. Adjust - If the irrigation controller is responsive to weather conditions then adjust schedule as needed to accommodate the technology, insuring equipment is functioning properly.

10. Secure - Set to controller auto position; close the door to the controller and lock if possible to prevent unintentional changes to the program.