What can happen if an irrigation system is not adjusted for slope?

When an irrigation system is not adjusted for slope, it can lead to less effective watering. This is because water tends to flow downhill more quickly than it does on flat surfaces, which can cause uneven distribution across the area being irrigated. In sloped areas, higher points may remain dry while lower areas can become waterlogged, resulting in poor plant health and inefficient water usage.

This uneven watering can contribute to stress on plants, as some may not receive enough moisture, while others could receive too much. Properly adjusting the irrigation system according to the slope ensures that water is evenly distributed, promoting healthier plants and optimal growth conditions.

In contrast, guarantees of uniform water distribution or improvements in crop yield stem from effective irrigation practices that take the slope into account, rather than being outcomes of neglecting slope adjustments. While lower water usage can be a goal of an efficient irrigation system, failing to address slope effectively may actually lead to increased water waste due to runoff or poor absorption.