The duration of irrigation system operation is a critical factor in maintaining healthy lawns and gardens. It refers to the amount of time, typically measured in minutes, that each zone of a sprinkler system is actively watering. For example, a homeowner might set their system to run each zone for 20 minutes, three times a week.
Proper management of this parameter yields several benefits, including water conservation, reduced risk of plant diseases associated with overwatering, and cost savings on water bills. Historically, irrigation schedules were often based on guesswork, leading to inefficient water use. Modern approaches, however, incorporate soil type, plant water needs, and weather data for optimized application.