What is Hydrozoning?

 Hydrozoning is the term used for isolating plant materials with a like root zone water demand and irrigating them separately from plant materials with different water requirements. 

What are some of the factors that are considered when designing a system with Hydrozoning practices?

a. Soil Type
b. Slope of Grade
c. Root Zone Water Requirements
d. Sunlight and Shade

What are examples of Hydrozoning and why is it important to my irrigation system?

The most common example would be watering turf areas on separate zones than that plant beds.  In warm weather climates turf requires as much as 20 times the water that established landscape plants need.  To conserve water and minimize the cost of using it, separate zones would be designed into the irrigation layout.  This practice limits the chance of overwatering in areas not asking for hydration compared to other areas in the landscape, thus keeping the potential for disease down. 

Another example would be to water a level grade on a sperate zone than combining heads with a grade that has a significant slope due to water runoff occurring on the sloped area before that of the level grade. 

Watering the shady side of a property along with areas of direct sunlight would be an example of not following good hydrozoning practices.

What is a zone and how many do I need for my irrigation system?

A zone is defined as a grouping of irrigation heads or emitters that are piped together and emit water at the same time.  The number of zones needed for an irrigation system depends on the volume of water available at a given amount of pressure, along with the root zone water requirements and other hydrozoning factors of the plant material on site.  Typically, a residential irrigation system on a ¼ acre lot could require 5-6 zones or more for an efficient design. 

What is a Smart Controller?

A smart controller has built-in water savings features which include sensors and or sensor ports that can adjust the optimal sprinkler run time based on local weather conditions.  Smart Controllers help to provide a healthy, beautiful landscape and lawn while reducing water use and costs to the homeowner. 

Why do I need a rain sensor?

State Statute 373.62 requires all irrigation systems to have an automatic shut-off device during periods of rainfall.  The rain sensor is a device that when activated bypass the watering cycle during periods of active or excessive rainfall.  The watering schedule is resumed when the sensor dries out. 

What is head-to-head coverage?

Head-to-head coverage is a term for the spacing of sprinkler heads whose nozzle emits water that covers the area between and up the head next to it.  Head-to-head coverage assures the maximum amount of distribution uniformity. 

What is distribution uniformity?

Distribution Uniformity refers to how evenly the water is distributed within an irrigation zone.

What is Soil Absorption Rate?

Soil Absorption Rate is the rate in minutes or hours that water is absorbed by or passes thru the soil.  It is desirable to ensure that the applied rate of water is not exceeding the absorption rate of the soil.