Lawn Irrigation Glossary for Lawn Enthusiasts

• Absorption Rate: The speed at which soil absorbs water, important for preventing runoff and ensuring water reaches roots.
• Aeration: The process of perforating the soil to improve water infiltration and reduce compaction.
• Automatic Sprinkler System: A system of sprinklers that operates automatically on a set schedule, typically controlled by a timer or smart controller.

• Backflow: The undesirable reversal of water flow in an irrigation system that can contaminate the main water supply.
• Backflow Preventer: A device used to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply.
• Bubbler: A type of irrigation emitter that releases water at low pressure, ideal for watering specific spots like trees or shrubs.

• Catch Can Test: A method to measure sprinkler system efficiency by collecting water in cups or cans placed on the lawn.
• Controller: A device that manages the timing and operation of an irrigation system.
• Cycle and Soak: An irrigation method that waters in short cycles to allow water to penetrate deeply and reduce runoff.

• Drip Irrigation: A system that delivers water directly to the soil surface or root zone through small emitters, reducing water waste.
• Distribution Uniformity: A measure of how evenly water is applied across a lawn by a sprinkler system.
• Dynamic Pressure: The water pressure in an irrigation system when water is flowing.

• Emitter: A device in a drip irrigation system that releases water slowly and precisely.
• Evapotranspiration (ET): The combined loss of water from the soil (evaporation) and plants (transpiration), used to determine watering needs.

• Filter: A device used to remove debris and prevent clogging in an irrigation system.
• Flow Rate: The volume of water delivered by a sprinkler or emitter, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per second (LPS).
• Furrow Irrigation: A traditional method where water flows along shallow ditches or furrows to irrigate crops or grass.

• Gauge Pressure: The pressure measurement within an irrigation system, not accounting for atmospheric pressure.
• Gravitation Water: Water that drains through soil under gravity and is not available to plant roots.

• Head-to-Head Coverage: A sprinkler placement strategy where water from one sprinkler overlaps the spray of adjacent sprinklers for uniform coverage.
• Hydrozone: An area of the landscape grouped together based on similar water needs.

• Impact Sprinkler: A type of sprinkler that rotates and sprays water in a circular pattern using a hammering mechanism.
• Irrigation Audit: A thorough assessment of an irrigation system to measure its efficiency and identify issues like leaks or uneven coverage.

• Jet Spray: A high-pressure water spray used in some sprinklers, suitable for large open spaces.

• Low-Flow Irrigation: Systems that use minimal water, such as drip or micro-spray systems, to conserve water.

• Manual Irrigation: Watering done by hand using hoses, sprinklers, or watering cans, requiring active management.
• Micro-Irrigation: A form of irrigation that delivers water at a low flow rate directly to the soil or plants.
• Moisture Sensor: A device used to measure soil moisture levels and prevent overwatering.

• Nozzle: The part of a sprinkler that controls the spray pattern, direction, and water flow rate.
• Non-Potable Water: Water not safe for drinking, often used for irrigation purposes.

• Overwatering: Excessive watering that can lead to waterlogged soil, root rot, and other problems.

• Pressure Regulator: A device that reduces water pressure to ensure consistent flow in an irrigation system.
• Pop-Up Sprinkler: A sprinkler head that rises out of the ground during operation and retracts when not in use.
• Precipitation Rate: The rate at which water is applied to a lawn by a sprinkler system, measured in inches per hour.

• Rain Sensor: A device that automatically shuts off the irrigation system during rain to prevent overwatering.
• Rotary Sprinkler: A sprinkler that rotates to distribute water in a circular pattern.
• Runoff: Water that flows off the surface of the lawn instead of soaking into the soil.

• Smart Controller: An advanced irrigation controller that adjusts watering schedules based on weather, soil moisture, and plant needs.
• Soaker Hose: A type of hose that leaks water slowly along its length, ideal for deep watering.
• Spray Head: A sprinkler head that sprays water in a fixed or adjustable pattern.

• Timer: A device that sets the start and stop times for irrigation cycles.
• Transpiration: The process by which plants release water vapor through their leaves.

• Uniformity: The even distribution of water across a lawn, essential for consistent plant growth.
• Underwatering: Insufficient watering that can lead to dry, stressed, or dying grass.

• Valve: A mechanical device that controls the flow of water to specific zones in an irrigation system.
• Volumetric Soil Moisture: The amount of water contained in the soil, expressed as a percentage of soil volume.

• Water Budgeting: Adjusting irrigation schedules based on seasonal or specific water needs to conserve water.
• Water Hammer: A surge of pressure in pipes caused by the sudden stopping or starting of water flow.
• Watering Window: The optimal time period during the day for watering, usually early morning or late evening.

• Zone: A specific area of a lawn or landscape controlled by one valve in an irrigation system.
• Zero-Runoff Irrigation: An irrigation method designed to ensure all water is absorbed into the soil without runoff.