What is design pressure?

Design pressure refers to the minimum pressure required for a system to operate properly. In irrigation systems, it is crucial to maintain a certain level of pressure to ensure that water is effectively delivered to the plants and that the system operates efficiently. If the pressure falls below this minimum threshold, it can lead to inadequate water distribution, which can negatively impact plant health and crop yields.

Setting the design pressure takes into account the specific needs of the irrigation system, including the types of plants being irrigated, the layout of the system, and factors such as elevation changes and friction losses in the piping. By ensuring that the design pressure is met, operators can prevent issues like insufficient watering or uneven coverage that would arise from operating under suboptimal conditions.

In contrast, other options do not accurately define design pressure: while the maximum pressure can indeed be a concern for system integrity, it's not what defines design pressure. Similarly, average pressure does not account for the critical threshold required for proper function, and pressure causing maximum flow does not indicate the minimum necessary for effective operation.