What is the primary function of an irrigation controller?

• A. Adjusting soil pH levels
• B. Controlling electric irrigation valves and water delivery
• C. Scheduling plant types for watering
• D. Maintaining local water authority compliance

Answer: (B)

The primary function of an irrigation controller is to manage the electric irrigation valves and water delivery. This device acts as the brain of the irrigation system, enabling users to set specific watering schedules, durations, and frequencies according to the needs of the landscape being irrigated. By automating the process, the controller ensures that water is delivered at optimal times, reducing waste and promoting efficient water use.

While other functions might be important in the broader context of landscape management, they do not represent the core function of an irrigation controller. For example, adjusting soil pH levels is typically done through soil amendments rather than irrigation control. Scheduling plant types for watering is related to irrigation planning, but the controller itself primarily focuses on controlling the watering mechanisms rather than directly dealing with plant types. Maintaining local water authority compliance may be an aspect of managing irrigation practices, but compliance is often established through regulations and guidelines rather than being the direct function of the irrigation controller itself. Thus, the controller's main role revolves around controlling water delivery efficiently.