What should be included in irrigation schedules to improve efficiency?

Including the amount of water received since the last irrigation in irrigation schedules significantly improves efficiency because it helps determine how much additional water is needed for the plants. This consideration is crucial for preventing over-irrigation, which can lead to water wastage and promote shallow root growth, or under-irrigation, which can stress plants and reduce their health and productivity.

Understanding the cumulative water input from rain or previous irrigation allows irrigation managers to tailor the irrigation volumes to the specific needs of the landscape. It ensures that watering schedules are responsive to actual conditions rather than following a fixed schedule, which may not account for varying weather patterns and rain events. This dynamic approach leads to better soil moisture management, improved plant health, and more efficient water use overall.