When is the optimal time to irrigate to minimize water loss?

The optimal time to irrigate to minimize water loss is in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. During these times, the air is generally cooler, which reduces the rate of evaporation. Evaporation losses are significantly higher during the hotter parts of the day, particularly midday, when temperatures peak, and sunlight is most intense.

Additionally, irrigating in the early morning allows plants to absorb water before the heat of the day, ensuring that more of it penetrates the root zone rather than being lost to evaporation. Late afternoon can also be beneficial, but it may not provide the same full advantage as early morning because plants might not have sufficient time to absorb water before evening temperatures drop.

Irrigating at night can reduce evaporation even further, but it may not be ideal for all settings since cooler nighttime temperatures can increase the risk of certain plant diseases due to prolonged moisture on the leaves. Choosing any time during the day for convenience overlooks these important factors, leading to potentially higher water waste and inefficient irrigation practices.