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.