Factors Influencing Irrigation Management

Exposure

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The plant’s exposures greatly influences water demand. Sun, heat and wind increase water demand. Shade decreases water demand. Water use for a lawn on a windy, southwest-facing slope could be double the water use of a lawn in full sun but sheltered from wind and extreme heat.

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Soil OrganicMatter Content

NONPOTABLE WATER

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Since organic matter holds over ten times more water than sand, a sandy soil with good organic content (around 4 to 5%) will hold more water than indicated in the table above. Over time, clayey soils with good organic content may have an improved soil structure, supporting a deeper rooting depth.

Water not processed to drinking-water standards.

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Previous IrrigationPattern

WASTEWATER

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Plants adjust rooting depth (to the extent that soil oxygen levels allow) to where soil water is available. Frequent irrigation eliminates the need for plants to develop a deep root system. A shallow root system makes the plant less resilient to hot, dry weather.

Any water that has been adversely affected in quality by human activities.

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Stage ofGrowth

RECLAIMED WATER

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The stage of growth also influences ET. Water needs increase as a plant grows in size during the season and peaks during flowering and fruit development. Compared to the root system of a mature plant, newly planted or seeded crops don’t have the root systems to explore a large volume of soil for water. Recently planted and seeded crops will require frequent, light irrigations. In our dry climate, even “xeric” plants generally need regular irrigation to help new plantings establish. Confusion about plant water requirements can arise from changing needs as plants move through their life cycles. For example, newly planted trees are extremely intolerant of water stress. Established trees in good health are rather tolerant of short-term water stress. Older trees in decline are intolerant of water stress. General statements about the ability of trees to tolerate dry situations need to take into account life-cycle stages.

Former wastewater (sewage) that has been treated to remove impurities

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Water Demand of a Plant

RECLAIMED WATER

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Plants vary greatly in the demand for water to 1) support growth, and 2) survive dry spells. (Note that the two are not necessarily related.)

Former wastewater (sewage) that has been treated to remove impurities

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Ability to ExtractWater

RECLAIMED WATER

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Plants vary in their ability to extract water from the soil. For most plants, the available water is about 50% of the soil’s total water supply before reaching the permanent wilting point. Onions are an example of a crop that can only extract about 40%.

Former wastewater (sewage) that has been treated to remove impurities

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