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Abstract
Adjustment of the sprinkling application rate to existing atmospheric conditions to conserve water may be accomplished by turning systems on and off. The maximum off period that is tolerable is calculated. It is the sum of time required to freeze the applied water plus time during which the ice coated plant parts cool to the critical temperature. Values of the off period for typical frost conditions are proportional to wind speed and wet bulb temperature. Field test results indicate intermittent sprinkling provides a method to reduce water consumption in sprinkling for frost protection.
Abstract
Two related sprinkler application rate models used in frost protection, published in the mid-1960s, are shown to include an assumption leading to the erroneous conclusion that humidity does not affect the determination of the application rate. A third, 1981 model documents the effect humidity has on the application rate calculation. A distribution factor accounting for nonuniform application is described.