Part II: Sustainable Irrigation Practices for Cut Flowers

Sustainable irrigation uses crop and environmental information to guide the frequency (how often) and amount (how much) of water to apply. Without this balance, poor irrigation practices can result, causing crop stress from too little or too much water, nutrient loss and contamination, or wasted water that drains below the root zone. This fact sheet covers the basics of soil water storage, crop water demand, considerations for designating irrigation zones, using free weather stations, and water conservation strategies for gardens and small farms, with a focus on cut flowers.