Adjusting the settings on your irrigation controller is an easy way to conserve water and save money. As fall approaches, your turf and plants will require less water than in the heat of the summer. For example, bluegrass requires 1.25 to 1.5 inches per week during the summer months, but require approximately .75 inches of water per week during spring and fall. Adjusting your controller for the time of season will help conserve water and save you money.
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| SMART Controller |
Many controllers have a seasonal
adjustment feature that will allow watering by a percentage of run time,
allowing for quick adjustments. If your
controller does not have this feature, simply reduce each station runtime by approximately
15 to 20 percent and monitor your turf for a healthy green appearance.
Seasonal adjustments not only
conserve water, but often result in healthier plants due to your plants developing
root growth. Watering less frequently will also promote deep root
development. Plants with deeper root
growth are able to use water at greater depths and can better tolerate drought
like conditions.
As the season starts to change,
don’t forget to adjust your irrigation controller appropriately.
Jeff Latterell,
Irrigation Consulting Group
763-413-8267
