What is a standard test duration for running the irrigation zone in an overhead spray test?

• A. 1 to 2 Minutes
• B. 5 to 10 Minutes
• C. 10 to 15 Minutes
• D. 20 Minutes or More

Answer: (B)

The standard test duration for running the irrigation zone in an overhead spray test is typically set between 5 to 10 minutes. This time frame is sufficient to accurately assess the uniformity of water distribution across the area being irrigated. During this test, the aim is to capture enough data about how well the heads are distributing water, noting any variations in application rates, and identifying potential issues such as clogging or malfunctioning equipment.

Running the test for this duration allows for a suitable balance between collecting enough information and not overwatering the area, which could lead to runoff or waterlogged conditions that wouldn’t provide a reliable assessment. The shorter durations, such as 1 to 2 minutes, may not allow enough water to be collected for a proper evaluation, while longer durations, like 20 minutes or more, might introduce data that is irrelevant to standard operation conditions. Essentially, 5 to 10 minutes provides an effective compromise for thorough evaluation without excessive water use.