It is well known that sandy soils hold less water than other
soil types. As a result, the water drains faster and the soil dries out
sooner. This sort of soil will keep water for a longer period of time,
but it is also more prone to cause a water logging situation. As a
result, it is recommended that you use compost to rebuild your soil.
So that it drains with a reasonable delay and also retains the water.
Weather & Climate : The amount of water to be supplied to plants is
also determined by the weather around where you live or the
climate of the day. When the weather is hot and dry, it's evident that
we should water the plants more frequently, but when the weather
is wet, the plants require less water. Overwatering in the rainy
season can produce water logging, which can lead to fungal illnesses
and plant rotting. In hot weather, applying a large amount of water is
also recommended to avoid water loss due to evaporation. In the
winter, though, gardeners often perplexed about irrigation. Plants
require less water in the winter and most plants go into dormancy,
however even if the plant is dormant, it has some basic metabolic
operations that are driven by the water gathered from the soil, thus
watering is still necessary in the winter but at different intervals.
Plants : Plants can also tell us when and how frequently they need to
be watered. Different plants require different amounts of water.
Plants that are larger require more water. The frequency and
amount of watering are also determined by the plant's root system.
Plants with deep roots require a large amount of water less
frequently, whereas plants with shallow roots require less water
more frequently. Container plants require daily watering, however
plants in hot and dry climates require twice or three times daily
irrigation.
Effect of pH of water :
Water with a pH of 7 is considered neutral,
while water with a pH of less than 7 is considered acidic. Alkaline
water is defined as water with a pH of more than 7. When water is
supplied to plants, the pH of the water immediately affects the pH of
the soil, causing damage to the plants. The most major impact of
alkaline water is that it lowers plants' ability to absorb nutrients. As a
result, the plants display various deficiency signs on it. The most
prevalent side effect of alkaline water is chlorosis, which is a loss of
chlorophyll that causes the leaves to yellow over time. When high
alkaline water is applied to soil on a regular basis, salt builds up in
the soil, causing it to become saline. High salinity stunts growth and
induces clotting. Plants show symptoms of deficit of other
micronutrients, such as Zn, Fe, and Mg, due to a lack of nutrient
absorption ability. More alkaline soil also inhibits the growth of
microorganisms, lowering the soil's fertility.
Watering Guidelines
1. Maintaining good soil moisture levels- most plants require an
even moisture level in the soil, but even a minor drying of the soil
before watering increases porosity and, eventually, root growth.
2. Watering should be done less frequently, but thoroughly, to
ensure that it reaches the root zone and allows the roots to absorb
nutrients from the soil.
3. Water the plant first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
This will result in less water evaporation than daytime watering, and
plants will be able to replenish themselves with enough water before
the next day's heat.
4. It is vital to keep leaves or foliage dry while watering. Disease and
fungal diseases are more common in wet leaves.
5. Water should be applied gradually to allow it to infiltrate the soil
and not run off. Otherwise, it will deplete essential nutrients.
6. Water uniformly around the plant — Watering only one side of the
plant will result in one-sided root growth, which will result in
inadequate nutrient absorption from the soil and have an influence
on the plant's growth.
7. Avoid water logging - If you apply too much water at once, the
water will pool around the plant and cause it to rot. It prevents roots
from breathing air in the soil. As a result, it's possible that the roots
will rot.
8. Water outdoor container plants once a day at the very least.
Because soil dries out faster when the container is outside, outdoor
plants in containers require extra water.
9. Do not use a jet spray nozzle to water container plants since it will
destroy tender foliage, expose the root zone, and disturb the soil
around the root zone.
10. At regular intervals, check the moisture level of the soil to obtain
an idea of how much and when to water your plants.