Baseline Systems BaseStation 3200 V12 - Manual (Page 18)

BaseStation 3200 Advanced 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 (spray, rotor, multi-stream, etc.) and
by the irrigation design.
In reality, it is very common that distribution uniformity is fairly low 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 3200 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. Fixing distribution
uniformity issues has better long term results than increasing water 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 dries 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 water times. Baseline highly recommends that you
audit zones in order to determine uniformity and actual application rates.
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