What is a common cause of irrigation system inefficiency?

A common cause of irrigation system inefficiency is improper head spacing and misalignment of sprinkler heads. When sprinkler heads are not spaced correctly, areas may receive either too much or too little water. If the heads are too far apart, some zones will be left dry, leading to drought stress in plants. Conversely, if the heads are too closely spaced, overlapping sprays can create excessive runoff and wasted water, contributing to inefficiency.

Additionally, if the sprinkler heads are misaligned, they may not distribute water evenly across the intended areas. This uneven application can result in certain plants receiving inadequate watering while others may be oversaturated, both of which compromise the effectiveness of the irrigation system and can lead to water wastage or plant health issues.

While other factors such as excessive shading by surrounding vegetation, using an inappropriate water source, or oversizing of irrigation components can also impact system performance, the direct influence of improper head spacing and misalignment typically has a more immediate and observable effect on water distribution and system efficiency. This makes it a fundamental concern for irrigation design and management.