Baseline Systems BaseStation 1000 - Manual (Page 18)

BaseStation 1000 Irrigation Controller Manual
Distribution Uniformity
Distribution uniformity (DU) refers to how evenly water is applied over the area in a particular zone
or landscape. This is generally driven by the choice of heads (such as spray, rotor, or multi-stream)
and by the irrigation design.
In reality, it is common for distribution uniformity to be poor in irrigated landscapes. Poor
distribution uniformity is based on many factors beyond the scope of this manual, but it is
important to note that system problems such as uneven coverage will limit the effectiveness of
smart watering strategies.
Baseline’s experience is that high-uniformity systems can be built from nearly any head type, as
long as it is properly designed, installed and maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTE! The BaseStation 1000 controller can compensate for, but cannot solve,
distribution uniformity problems.
As you intelligently reduce water applied to any zone, you may notice stressed areas or brown
spots in your landscape. When this happens, you should first adjust your heads to make coverage
as even as possible. In extreme cases, you may find it advantageous to retrofit older heads with
new types of heads such as multi-stream rotors that apply water more evenly.
Note: Fixing distribution uniformity issues has better long term results than increasing run times or
moisture settings.
Every irrigation controller must be programmed to water to the “driest spot” in each zone. If the
difference between water applied at the driest spot is too great (especially if the wettest spot has
more than 3 times the water applied in the same period as to the driest spot) then you should take
steps to adjust your heads, their spacing, and their coverage to gain better uniformity.
You can quickly and easily measure the distribution uniformity of your landscape by placing catch
cups in any particular zone and then running that zone for a specific period of time. Auditing zones
in this manner will also give you precise information about how much water is applied per hour in
that zone, which makes it easy to set default run times. Baseline highly recommends that you audit
zones in order to determine uniformity and actual application rates.
Complying with Water Restrictions
There are times and seasons when water restrictions are placed on areas. Keeping a green and
healthy landscape during these restrictions is best achieved with deep rooted turf! Train your grass
before the crisis to grow deep roots by watering deeply and only when the grass needs it.
Note: If you are in an area that is under severe water restrictions, do not try to water using
biSensors – set the water strategies to Timed and apply permitted water.
The first step in understanding how to keep the controller from watering when it should not is to
identify under what conditions it will allow watering. The BaseStation 1000 controller will start a
program when all of the following conditions have been met:
• Program start time
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