What is the recommended amount of water applied per zone for proper irrigation?

The recommended amount of water applied per zone for proper irrigation is typically 1 inch. This amount is based on the needs of most plants and the goal of ensuring that water penetrates deeply into the soil. Applying 1 inch of water encourages healthy root development by promoting deeper soil moisture while minimizing water run-off and evaporation.

This depth allows the soil profile to be adequately saturated, enabling roots to access the water as needed. It also supports the balance of moisture levels, ensuring that plants have sufficient water without over-saturating the soil, which could lead to issues such as root rot or nutrient leaching.

While other amounts may be used in specific circumstances or for particular plant types, 1 inch is widely recognized as a standard guideline in horticulture to achieve the best irrigation results for a variety of landscape plants.