Which aspect is NOT part of the basic elements of a landscape water budget?

• A. Weather
• B. Type of irrigation system
• C. Plant type
• D. Area

Answer: (B)

The basic elements of a landscape water budget are designed to assess and manage the water needs of a landscape effectively. Among the elements included are weather, plant type, and area, each of which plays a crucial role in determining water requirements.

Weather inputs, such as temperature, precipitation, evaporation rates, and humidity, influence how much water a landscape will need throughout the year. Plant type is significant as different species have varying levels of water requirements; understanding these needs allows for optimized water management. Area, or the size of the landscape, is essential because it directly affects the overall water demand based on the extent of the plants present.

While the type of irrigation system is undeniably important for applying water efficiently and effectively, it is not a basic element of the water budget itself. Instead, it is more of a practical consideration in how the water is delivered to the landscape rather than a factor in calculating the overall water budget. Thus, it does not contribute to determining the fundamental aspects of water needs as do the other elements.