What is the formula used to calculate precipitation rate (in/hr)?

The formula for calculating the precipitation rate in inches per hour is derived from the relationship between the flow rate of the irrigation system, the area being irrigated, and the total number of irrigation heads providing coverage.

Choosing the correct answer involves recognizing that the precipitation rate indicates how much water is being applied to a specific area over a given time period, typically expressed in inches per hour. In this context, GPM (gallons per minute) represents the flow rate of water being applied by all the irrigation heads combined, while the area in square feet represents the size of the zone being irrigated.

The correct formula, which indicates the relationship of the flow rate to the area and number of irrigation heads, is given as (96.3 x GPM) / (Area in square ft x number of heads). The constant 96.3 is essential as it converts the flow rate in gallons per minute to a precipitation rate in inches per hour, taking into account the area over which this flow is distributed.

By applying this formula, you can effectively determine how much water is being delivered to the plants per unit area per hour, which is crucial for ensuring proper irrigation and avoiding over or under-watering. Understanding this relationship is key for setting up and managing