IRRIGATION AND WATER MANAGEMENT
FIFTH STEP: REDUCE BY 10 PERCENT Trimming the runtime of all zones, or just the zones that are ultra green can be a real cost savings. For example, if you decrease the runtime of a particular zone from 30 to 27 minutes, it is unlikely that there will be a significant difference in turfgrass health, but you’ ll save 10 % on the cost of the water needed to keep the field green.
Head not retracting. Photo by Brad R. Jakubowski
CALCULATE INPUTS AND PROJECTED SAVINGS In one column, list all of the equipment and labor hours needed to conduct a proper water audit— items such as the cost of the measurement pieces; the number of hours required to lay out the map, install the flags, collection cups and plastic / steel rings; the time to calculate uniformity; and the time needed to order and assemble the collection equipment.
In an adjacent column, list the time and cost of the water needed to irrigate a field before the audit.
Next, construct a column with a projected 10 % savings based on replacement of flawed parts and trimming the runtimes, where feasible.
Finally, a column with the calculated efficiency improvements, noting reduction in applied water, reduced runtimes and lower cost of applied water.
Turn it on and watch it run. Photo by John C. Fech
uniformity that includes the lowest 25 %. Why? Fixing big flaws will make the biggest difference in terms of overall performance. Some examples are heads that don’ t turn, leaking valves, heads that spray only vertically( a. k. a., geysers), and heads that do not rise above the height of cut of the turf.
FOURTH STEP: RE-MEASURE AND LOOK FOR GREATER UNIFORMITY In order to carefully document the percentage of water savings after retrofitting, another check of the system output is required. The second audit may seem tedious, but is required in order to record the improvement in efficiency. A second audit also provides additional documentation for justifying the expense of the new and replacement parts.
A second audit is required to record the improvement in efficiency. Photo by Brad R. Jakubowski sportsfieldmanagementonline. com September 2025 | SportsField Management
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