Calibrating an Irrigation System

Calibrating your irrigation system is a simple but necessary step in a proper watering program. As a general rule, one inch of water should be applied to your lawn on an as-needed basis. Knowing how much water your system is applying will assure that water is not wasted saving you time and money.

To calibrate your system you will need five similar collection containers, a ruler, and a timer. Randomly place the containers in the lawn and start your irrigation system. Run the water for thirty minutes then shut it off. Measure the depths of water collected in each container and then average them. This average is how much water your system applied in one-half hour. Adjust the irrigation time so that your system is applying the recommended one inch of water.

Your irrigation system will need calibrating once a year. However, if you make changes or adjustments to your system, it is recommended that you re-calibrate it as well.

Proper watering is just one part of a good management program. An improperly operating system or the application of too much water may result in increased diseases and insects.

Lynn Loughary, LLoughar@oznet.ksu.edu
County Extension Agent, Horticulture
Wyandotte County, Kansas
Kansas State University Research and Extension