What must be measured to determine the landscape water budget accurately?

• A. Soil compaction
• B. Plant root depth
• C. Irrigated landscape area
• D. Water contamination levels

Answer: (C)

To determine the landscape water budget accurately, measuring the irrigated landscape area is essential. The water budget helps in understanding how much water is required for maintaining a specific landscape efficiently. By knowing the size of the irrigated area, it becomes possible to calculate the volume of water needed for various plant species, taking into account their unique water requirements based on the characteristics of that area.

The irrigated landscape area directly impacts the water budget because it determines how much irrigation water is necessary to support the growth and health of the plants. If the area is measured accurately, it ensures that the calculations regarding water use efficiency, potential runoff, and evapotranspiration can be conducted accurately. This measurement aligns with the goals of water-efficient landscaping, which seeks to minimize waste and ensure sustainable practices.

In contrast, while factors like soil compaction, plant root depth, and water contamination levels are important for understanding aspects of plant health and irrigation effectiveness, they do not directly influence the calculations associated with the overall water budget as significantly as the size of the irrigated landscape.