What does the term "irrigation audit" refer to?

The term "irrigation audit" refers to a systematic evaluation of irrigation systems designed to assess their performance and efficiency. This process involves examining various components of the irrigation system, including water delivery methods, distribution uniformity, and scheduling, to determine how effectively water is being applied to the landscape or crops.

Conducting an irrigation audit helps identify areas for improvement, such as leaks, blockages, or inappropriate scheduling, which can lead to water waste or insufficient watering. By analyzing these factors, landowners and irrigation professionals can make informed decisions to enhance water conservation practices, optimize the use of water resources, and improve overall irrigation system performance, leading to healthier plants and more sustainable practices.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that do not encompass the entire scope of an irrigation audit. Reviewing soil health, inspecting plant types, or surveying rainfall patterns, while relevant to water management, do not specifically evaluate the irrigation system itself, which is the primary focus of an irrigation audit.