What is the role of an irrigation controller in WUE?

• A. Automatically keeps sprinklers off at all times.
• B. Stores water for later use.
• C. Automates watering schedules, often using weather data or sensors to match plant needs.
• D. Increases irrigation duration during drought.

Answer: (C)

An irrigation controller supports water use efficiency by automating when and for how long irrigation runs, using inputs like weather data or soil moisture to tailor watering to plant needs. Instead of spraying on a fixed schedule or for a fixed duration, a controller can be weather-based or sensor-enabled, adjusting run times and frequencies to match actual evaporation, rainfall, and soil moisture conditions. This helps avoid watering when plants don’t need it (after rain or during cool, humid periods) and reduces waste while keeping plants healthy. In drought, the controller’s role is to reduce irrigation, not increase it, underscoring its function to conserve water. It isn’t simply about keeping sprinklers off, nor about storing water for later use, and it doesn’t purposefully extend watering during drought.