Use drip irrigation for larger container sizes to reduce water usage and runoff. Use cyclic irrigation to reduce water use and runoff. When water is applied to pots in a single irrigation event, a significant proportion may channel through large pores or along sides of the pot. Water that channels rapidly does not wet the medium. In cyclic, or pulse irrigation, the growing medium is wetted much more efficiently by applying water in 2 or 3 irrigation events spaced at least one hour apart.
Cyclic irrigation is practical only when automated.
Increase the water-holding capacity of container media to reduce leaching. Irrigate in the early morning hours. Minimize plant spacing where overhead irrigation is used, move up to larger pot sizes when the plant canopy impedes water penetration into the medium 10. Eliminate superphosphate from the growing medium. Stagger fertilizer application over time to limit peaks in fertilizer discharge.