What must be monitored to ensure effective irrigation management?

• A. Plant growth stages
• B. Active pest populations
• C. Soil moisture levels
• D. Soil temperature variations

Answer: (C)

Effective irrigation management requires continuous monitoring of soil moisture levels. This is crucial because it directly influences the health of plants and the efficiency of water use in landscaping. By assessing soil moisture, landscapers can determine when irrigation is necessary, avoiding both under-watering, which can stress plants, and over-watering, which can lead to wasteful usage and potential plant root diseases.

Understanding the moisture content in the soil guides decision-making on how much and when to irrigate, ensuring that plants receive adequate water without excess. This practice is vital for conserving water resources while maintaining the vigor of the landscape. While factors like plant growth stages, active pest populations, and soil temperature variations are important aspects in landscape management, they do not directly dictate when and how much irrigation is needed as effectively as monitoring soil moisture levels.