What is one of the main decisions a manager must make when developing an irrigation schedule for a conventional controller?

• A. Number of employees needed
• B. Duration of zone irrigation
• C. Type of soil used
• D. Color of the plants

Answer: (B)

When developing an irrigation schedule for a conventional controller, one of the main decisions a manager must make is the duration of zone irrigation. This decision directly impacts how much water is delivered to specific areas of the landscape, ensuring that plants receive the appropriate amount of moisture to thrive. Adjusting the duration allows the manager to respond to factors such as the water needs of different plants, the rate of evaporation, and the efficiency of the irrigation system.

While factors like the type of soil can influence water retention and drainage, and considerations about employees or plant colors may be important for other aspects of landscape management, they do not directly affect the scheduling of water application as significantly as determining the duration of irrigation. Thus, focusing on the duration ensures that watering practices align with water efficiency principles and the specific needs of the landscape.