Irrigation: Application Regularity and Timings

When to irrigate and how often can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including:
• The current weather conditions: Hot and dry conditions will typically require a more frequent application of irrigation.
• The time of year: Summer time will typically see demand for higher amounts of water being needed, and potentially at more frequent intervals.
• Soil texture: This will influence the amount which can be applied at any one time, with very sandy soils requiring more frequent applications than those of a loamier nature.
• Stage of seed germination and seedling development: More frequent, light, applications will be needed to aid germination and then the initial establishment of seedlings due to their limited root growth.
• Rooting depth will influence frequency of application, with a well-developed and deep root system being able to explore a lot more of the soil profile to extract available moisture.
• The condition of the sward and also the relative growth activity.
• Fertiliser application: Ensuring adequate soil moisture is available, along with ensuring any applied fertiliser doesn't scorch the turf, will influence timing of application.
• Irrigation might also be required to help wash in any applied sandy top-dressing.
• Start of a game: Don't water too near to the start of a game as this can result in a slower surface, especially for bowls and golf, although for some football pitches this can actually make the ball skim along the surface that much quicker.
• Manager and player requirements: They may wish to have a drier or wetter surface to try and benefit their team over that of an opponent.
• Irrigating during the day may interrupt and affect games such as bowls and golf in particular.
• The requirements of a soil moisture deficit monitoring programme.