5.1

General Principles

5.1.8

Watering Profile

The sub-surface water profile from a length of Leeaky Hose (or any other slow-release system) also varies with soil type. This, and the needs of the existing or intended plant should be taken into account in an irrigation situation.

In clay the water cross-section has a profile similar to a field mushroom, with the outer edges a metre from the hose only centimetres below the highest point. In loam it assumes a more ‘button’ mushroom profile. In coarse sand the profile is shaped like a ‘teardrop’ with the outer edges half a metre from the hose being some 15cm from the drops highest point. This will not matter for trees and established shrubs whose roots will quickly find the water, but it must be taken into account in situations like lawns or ground cover.