What is the ideal time of day for irrigation to minimize evaporation losses?

Irrigating in the early morning or late afternoon is ideal for minimizing evaporation losses due to several factors. During these times, temperatures are generally cooler, and wind speeds tend to be lower, which reduces the rate at which water evaporates from the soil and the surfaces of plants.

Irrigating in the early morning allows the water to be absorbed by the plants before the heat of the day, ensuring that the plants have adequate moisture available as temperatures rise. Late afternoon irrigation can also help prevent stress on plants during the peak heat hours, although it can lead to prolonged moisture on foliage, which may increase disease risk if done excessively.

In contrast, watering at noon when temperatures are high or in the middle of the day can lead to significant water loss through evaporation before the plants even have the chance to absorb it. Irrigating during the night, while it can reduce evaporation losses, may not allow for sufficient time for foliage to dry before morning, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Thus, the early morning or late afternoon approach strikes a balance between effective water usage and plant health.