What is the main cause of uneven coverage in a sprinkler system?

Uneven coverage in a sprinkler system is primarily caused by incorrect head spacing. Proper spacing between sprinkler heads is crucial to ensure that the area being irrigated receives uniform distribution of water. If the heads are placed too far apart, there will be gaps in coverage where the water does not reach the ground adequately, leading to dry spots. Conversely, if the heads are too close together, there may be overlap, causing water pooling in some areas while others remain dry.

While other factors such as low water pressure, inconsistent soil types, and excessive evaporation can influence the effectiveness of an irrigation system, they do not directly cause uneven coverage in the same way that improper head spacing does. For instance, low water pressure can lead to inadequate watering but is a secondary issue that can exacerbate problems created by incorrect head placement. Similarly, variations in soil type can affect how quickly water is absorbed but do not inherently change the defined coverage area of a sprinkler system. Excessive evaporation may result in losses during watering, but this is a separate consideration and usually can be mitigated with proper scheduling.