Why is it recommended to schedule irrigation during early mornings or late afternoons?

Scheduling irrigation during early mornings or late afternoons is recommended primarily to minimize evaporation loss. During these times, temperatures are generally cooler, and winds tend to be calmer, which reduces the rate at which water evaporates from both the soil and the plant surface. This ensures that more of the water applied actually penetrates the soil and is available for plant uptake, rather than being lost to the atmosphere.

Evaporation can significantly impact the efficiency of irrigation systems. When watering occurs during the hotter part of the day, much of the water can evaporate before it even reaches the roots of the plants. By irrigating during times of lower temperatures, water use becomes more efficient, promoting better water conservation practices.

While factors like even watering, nutrient absorption, and fungal growth are important considerations for overall plant health and irrigation practices, the key advantage of scheduling irrigation early in the morning or late in the afternoon directly correlates with reducing water loss due to evaporation.