Glossary of Irrigation Terms

Infiltration rate is a measure of the speed at which water applied to the surface of an irrigation field moves through the soil. It is usually given as the depth (in mm) of the water layer able to enter the soil in an hour. The infiltration rate can be impacted by factors such as the structure and texture of the soil. Knowing the infiltration rate allows for irrigation to be planned with increased precision.

Water losses which are not able to be recovered, as the water in question becomes unavailable. Water loss of this kind might take the form of evaporation, groundwater recharge or phreatophytic transpiration. A certain percentage of the water delivered by any irrigation system will be subject to irrecoverable loss.

An area of land which is able to be irrigated. The factors governing the ability to irrigate a specific area will include the topography of the landscape, the suitability or otherwise of the soil and the availability of water. Any calculation of the total irrigable area should also factor in the equipment which is available for the task.

The practice of providing water to an area through artificial means, for example, pipes, sprinklers, canals, and ditches. Irrigation is used to supply water to plants, maintain or increase moisture levels in soil, or manage an area's water resources. It is also used to prevent soil erosion.

An irrigation controller manages how much water an irrigation system delivers to a landscape. A controller uses input from sensors to create a watering program controlling the frequency, duration, and amount of water applied. This means irrigation can be adapted to weather conditions or seasonal changes for example. Using controllers assists in effective use and delivery of water which in turn helps maintain healthy plant growth. Some controllers also have "smart" features such as remote access, real-time monitoring, and system diagnostics.

The process of planning and creating an irrigation system, considering factors such as water availability, landscape and turf requirements, and the terrain.

Measuring how effectively an irrigation system uses water, taking factors such as the application rate, uniformity of distribution, and system losses into account. For example, a high irrigation efficiency will indicate that a significant proportion of the water applied is used by the plants being irrigated, while a low efficiency indicates a significant amount of water wastage.

The number of times water is applied to a specific area, whether this is a a yard, a community landscape, a golf course, or a field, over a certain period of time - usually a week or a month. In short, it is a measure of how often irrigation is performed in a certain area. The factors that can influence the chosen frequency of application include weather, soil moisture, plant type and stage of growth, terrain. Irrigation frequency is often related to irrigation scheduling, the process of determining when irrigation should occur to meet plant watering requirements and optimize water use efficiency.

An irrigation pump station houses the pumps and equipment that deliver water from a source (for example, a lake or canal) to the wider irrigation system. It includes control systems and valves that regulate the flow and pressure of the water. It is crucial for regulating water pressure at the correct levels to operate irrigation equipment efficiently, particularly in areas with low pressure water sources or those located far from the irrigation area.

Like any schedule, this is a plan outlining when and how much water should be applied to a specific area such as a lawn or a field. The schedule considers factors such as weather forecast, microclimate, soil moisture, type and growth stage of plants being watered, to determine the optimal timing for irrigation. A good irrigation schedule aims to meet the water needs of plants and at the same time, maximize water use efficiency. A schedule can be implemented manually, automatically or by smart irrigation systems, timed to turn on and off according to the schedule.

An irrigation sprinkler is a device that distributes water through the air to the ground. Water is delivered to sprinklers through a network of pipes and valves and distributed through a series of nozzles, which can be adjusted to provide a range of spray patterns and water droplet sizes.

An arrangement of equipment, such as pipes, pumps, and valves, used to deliver water to an area for irrigation.

An area within a landscape or field with a distinct irrigation requirement based on factors such as plant type, sun exposure, microclimate, and soil characteristics. These distinct areas are known as zones and are divided and controlled separately, usually by a single control valve. Creating zones means water application can be tailored around need, thus making more efficient use of water.

An isolation valve is a mechanical valve used to isolate one section of a piping system from another to control and thus regulate water flow. Often used for maintenance or safety purposes, the isolating valve is not named for being a particular type of valve, but because of its function within a system.