About this Event
University of Nevada, Reno Extension (Clark County – Las Vegas) presents
Sprinkler Irrigation for Landscapes
Join us for an engaging course focused on the design, evaluation, and management of sprinkler irrigation systems. This course provides practical, hands-on knowledge to help you improve irrigation efficiency, reduce water waste, and maintain healthy landscapes in desert environments.
This course is part of the Master Irrigator Program. To earn the Master Irrigator certification, participants must complete these three courses: Irrigation 101, Drip Irrigation, & Sprinkler Irrigation. It is recommended to complete Irrigation 101, which is an online course, prior to this course.
If you would like only take this class without Master Irrigator certification, you will also receive the certificate of completion for the Sprinkler Irrigation course.
📌 Registration:
Register once to attend all five sessions. Participants must attend at least four sessions and complete homework to receive a certificate.
Schedule:
📅 Dates:
- Tuesdays: June 09-June 16-June 23-June 30 & July 07
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM– 1:00 PM (Pacific Time “PT”)
In this course, participants will learn:
- Types of sprinkler systems and key components
- How to measure precipitation rate and irrigation uniformity
- How to design and layout efficient sprinkler systems
- How to schedule irrigation for turf and landscapes
- Troubleshooting common sprinkler issues (overspray, runoff, leaks)
- Water conservation strategies for desert landscapes
Take the next step toward smarter water use and more efficient landscape irrigation. Register today!
If you have any questions regarding the course, please contact:
Dr. Azadeh Alizadeh
[email protected]
Note: The Master Irrigator Program is independent and not affiliated with other UNR Extension programs, such as the Master Gardener Program
Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Week 1 – Irrigation Principles and Sprinkler Irrigation Fundamentals
Host: Lauren McGue- Botanic Garden Manager
Info: • Review of soil–water–plant relationships
• How water moves through soil: infiltration, percolation, runoff, and evaporation
• Plant water requirements and basic evapotranspiration (ET) concepts
• Overview of irrigation system types and their applications
• Advantages and limitations of sprinkler irrigation systems
• Introduction to sprinkler irrigation design concepts
• Basic zoning principles
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Week 2 – Sprinkler Irrigation Components and Sprinkler Head
Host: Dr. Sifat Sultana- Program Officer
Info: • Irrigation System Components
• Irrigation controllers and timers
• Valves and valve boxes
• Pipes, fittings, and lateral lines
• Pressure regulators and pressure management
• Filters and filtration requirements
• Backflow prevention devices and safety considerations
• Types of Sprinkler Heads
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Week 3 – System Evaluation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Host: Professor ML Robinson
Info: • Identifying inefficient irrigation patterns such as dry spots, puddling, runoff, misting, and overspray
• Detecting leaks, clogged nozzles, and pressure problems
• Adjusting sprinkler heads and spray patterns for improved coverage
• Cleaning and replacing filters and nozzles
• Troubleshooting valves, controllers, and wiring issues
• Identifying common causes of low pressure and uneven irrigation
• Seasonal maintenance and system inspections
• Improving irrigation efficiency through retrofits and upgrades
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Week 4 – Sprinkler Performance, Precipitation Rate, and Irrigation Uniformity
Host: Professor Azadeh Alizadeh
Info: • Understanding precipitation rate and water application depth
• Calculating precipitation rates using manufacturer data and field measurements
• Measuring sprinkler output using catch-can testing
• Matched precipitation rates and zone uniformity
• Distribution uniformity (DU) and coefficient of uniformity (CU)
• Identifying uneven irrigation patterns and coverage problems
• Effects of spacing, pressure, wind, and nozzle selection on irrigation performance
• Using irrigation audits to improve efficiency and reduce water waste
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Week 5 – Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management
Host: Lauren McGue
Info: • Plant water requirements and turfgrass evapotranspiration (ET)
• Soil texture, infiltration, and water-holding capacity
• Irrigation frequency and runtime calculations
• Seasonal irrigation adjustments for desert climates
• ET-based and soil-based irrigation scheduling methods
• Cycle-and-soak irrigation strategies to reduce runoff and improve infiltration
• Water conservation practices for residential landscapes
• Improving irrigation efficiency through proper scheduling and management
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
University of Nevada, Reno Extension- Classroom D, 8050 Paradise Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas, United States
USD 60.00
