Hydrology
Hydrology
INTRODUCTION
The natural precipitation in New Mexico is not sufficient to
grow and sustain turfgrasses and most other landscape plants.
Therefore, supplemental irrigation is necessary to maintain
turf at an acceptable quality level. Pop-up sprinklers are com-
monly used to irrigate lawn areas. Understanding the precipi-
tation rate and uniformity of the sprinkler system will allow
correct irrigation scheduling for more efficient irrigation and
water savings. The step-by-step instructions outlined in this
guide will help you perform a catch can irrigation audit on
a pop-up sprinkler system. For a complete discussion on all
aspects of turfgrass irrigation, refer to NMSU Circular 660,
Turfgrass Irrigation (available at http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/
_circulars/CR660.pdf ).
2. Fix problems. Repair problems before proceeding further. The “Tuna Can” Audit
If necessary, consult with a landscape contractor. Food cans, such as tuna, cat food, or coffee cans, may be used
as catch cans. However, they are hard to level, and most will
3. Map out the sprinkler heads. Locate all sprinkler heads need small rocks inside to keep them on the ground and lev-
and note the type and model. Sketch a map of the area and eled. After running sprinklers for a set amount of time, sim-
assign a number to each head on the map. Record the dis- ply measure the depth of water in the cans with a ruler after
tance between heads and mark this on the map. For lawns removing any rocks used for leveling. This sort of “tuna can”
with multiple irrigation zones, indicate which heads are in audit will not be as accurate as using calibrated containers,
which irrigation zone. but valuable information can still be obtained.
1
Respectively, Extension Agricultural/Horticulture Agent, Bernalillo County Extension Office; and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Department of Extension Plant
Sciences, New Mexico State University.
To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental
Sciences on the World Wide Web at aces.nmsu.edu
4. Measure the surface area of the catch can (Figure 3).
Express the answer in in2. If a round container is used, the
surface area (A) is equal to the radius of the container open-
ing squared multiplied by π.
• Example: 13, 17, 22, 28, 29, 30, 35, 35, 35, 35, 39,
40, 41, 42, 45, 45, 46, 47, 50, 53, 67, 78, 79, 79
(data from Step 8 arranged in ascending order)
Lowest quarter = 13, 17, 22, 28, 29, 30
Sum = 139 mL
Zone 2
Average = 139 mL / 6 = 23.2
Lowest quarter average / Total average (from Step 8)
Figure 6. Sketch of approximate catch can locations for an = 23.2 / 42.9 = 0.54
irregularly shaped lawn. Catch cans are approximately 8 ft
apart. Sprinklers in zone 1 will overspray into zone 2, so 0.54 x 100 = 54%
run both zones before collecting data.
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