Water Supply and Irrigation Systems

Question 1

Nozzle bodies for overhead boom systems can only attach one type of nozzle tip
T or F

Answer 1

False
Nozzles can be switched out for different functions

Question 2

A drip irrigation system would be an appropriate choice for hanging baskets and NFT production systems
T or F

Answer 2

False
NFT require a constant flow

Question 3

When checking the moisture content of a growing mix before use, a grower knows that the media is at the optimal moisture content when he is able to press water out mix using the “squeeze test”.
T or F

Answer 3

False
The soil should hold it’s shape but not have excess water squeeze out, if water is coming out then you need to add more dry growing media

Question 4

A leak prevention device is used in an irrigation system to prevent leaks in the main irrigation line
T or F

Answer 4

False
A LPD monitors the flow rate, it also prevents a leak with a rubber seal

Question 5

It is the impeller on a pump that spins to create the centrifugal force needed to draw water in from the inlet and force the water out on the outlet side.
T or F

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Overhead irrigation systems make the most efficient use of water and nutrients.
T or F

Answer 6

False
If the plants are not perfectly aligned there will always be water that falls through

Question 7

Most subsurface irrigation systems include some method to capture drainage water for treatment and recirculation
T or F

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Why is it important to have a check valve on the inlet side of your nutrient dosing equipment?

Answer 8

to prevent backfeeding of the nutrient solution or chemical into your main water supply.

Question 9

A centrifugal pump can be used to draw water from a source, but not to supply irrigation water to the crop.
T or F

Answer 9

False
Type of pump that uses an impeller, normally used for moving larger volumes of water from the water source and/or to the plants

Question 10

Type of filters in an irrigation system can include

Answer 10

inline disc filters
nozzle screen filters
sand or charcoal system filters
manual cleaning filters
self cleaning filters

Question 11

In a stationary overhead or drip irrigation system, it is important to maintain a minimum amount of pressure in the lines so that all the emitters work properly.
T or F

Answer 11

True

Question 12

A capillary mat system is a great method of irrigation for small 4” pots and trays.
T or F

Answer 12

False
The minimum you would be able to do is 8”, the pots need to weigh enough so that the capillary mat actually works

Question 13

When installing a travelling boom system, what is it important to consider?

Answer 13

Support systems for the boom, water lines, electrical cords
The type and flow rate of the nozzle tips being used

Question 14

Drip irrigation systems apply water to the bottom of the substrate or container and rely on capillary action to moisten the substrate.
T or F

Answer 14

False
Uptake of soil not capillaries

Question 15

What is a traditional flood floor?

Answer 15

A traditional flood floor is one that is shaped in a “V” and fills from the centre and drain back down to the centre.

Question 16

What is a cascading flood floor?

Answer 16

A floor that is sloped and fills on the high side and drains on the low

Question 17

What is a mixing valve

Answer 17

A valve in an irrigation system that can be used to blend water from two different sources

Question 18

For optimal germination results, a grower should ensure which conditions are met.

Answer 18

that each tray is filled uniformly with the same volume of mix
that each cell is lightly dibbled to ensure a uniform seed placement in the cell
proper moisture content of the substrate prior to filling the trays

Question 19

Should your water storage tank be clear or opaque to stop algae growth

Answer 19

Opaque

Question 20

What is a venturi pump?

Answer 20

A venturi type injector is a simple device that can be attached to the end of a garden hose to add nutrients or other chemicals to the water that is flowing through it.

Question 21

Due to the force of friction, the water will always be moving the fastest along what part of the pipe?

Answer 21

The centre

Question 22

Can water fill to the shape of any vessel?

Answer 22

Yes, it is a liquid

Question 23

What are the ways to minimize transplant shock?

Answer 23

removing any flowers & buds
by ensuring that the pots are watering quickly after transplanting to ensure good contact between the growing media and the plug plant
proper moisture content of the substrate prior to transplanting

Question 24

Why is it important to have a water storage tank?

Answer 24

so that you can ensure that you will have enough volume of water at each irrigation cycle, usually a 24 hour period of irrigarion

Question 25

Will increasing the diameter of a pipe speed up or slow down velocity?

Answer 25

It will slow down velocity

Question 26

What is a ball valve?

Answer 26

A valve in an irrigation system that can be manually opened and closed

Question 27

A valve in an irrigation system that can be opened or closed by an electric current is called a

Answer 27

solenoid valve
mixing valve
ball valve

Question 28

The 3 different factors that will affect the size of the pressure gradients and ultimately the flow of water in a water system are

Answer 28

the hydrostatic pressure, the pressure created by the pump, and the pressure loss in the system due to friction