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Plants, Soils and Water:
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When water is applied to the soil it seeps down through the root zone very gradually. Each layer of soil must be filled to
"field capacity" before water descends to the next layer. This water movement is referred to as the wetting front. Water
moves downward through a sandy coarse soil much faster then through a fine-textured soil such as clay or silt.
If only one-half the amount of water required for healthy growth of your garden or landscape is applied at a given time, it
only penetrates the top half of the root zone; the area below the point where the wetting front stops remains dry as if no
irrigation has been applied at all.
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Influence of Soil Type on
Water-Holding Capacity and Water Use
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Water-Holding Capacity
inches of water per foot of soil |
Days to Use
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| Soil Type |
Total Water |
Available Water |
Available Water* |
| Loam |
0.6 - 1.08 |
0.4 - 1.0 |
2 - 5 |
| Sand |
2.7 - 4.0 |
1.3 - 2.0 |
2 - 5 |
| Clay |
4.5 - 4.9 |
1.8 - 1.9 |
9 - 10 |
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*Assuming an evaportranspiration rate of 0.2 inches per day and a 13 inch deep root zone. Shorter root system would take less time to use available water.
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More Information . . . .
Jess Stryker's, Landscape Irrigation Scheduling Tutorial web site to educate consumers on the proper watering program to maintain an healthy lawn.
Scotts, Landscape Irrigation information web site to educate consumers on the proper watering program to maintain an healthy lawn.
Home and Garden, Landscape Irrigation information web site to educate consumers on the proper watering program to maintain an healthy lawn.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Landscape Irrigation information web site to educate consumers on the proper watering program to maintain an healthy landscape.
Ohio State University Bulletin L-187 Control of Turf grass Pests, Symptoms, fungus: When the disease becomes severe, the entire turf grass stand may appear dull white or pale green. Severely infected leaves usually turn yellow and wither and may lead to a generalized thinning of the stand. Management: Increase sunlight penetration, Reduce the humidity, Use resistant varieties, Fungicide use, and Adjust watering so areas stay drier.
Texas A&M University System, Efficient Use of Water in the Home Landscape and Garden
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