In implementing a water budget approach for a mixed landscape, which steps should you take?

• A. Estimate ETc for each zone.
• B. All of the above.
• C. Assign plant water requirements.
• D. None of the above.

Answer: (B)

In a water budget approach, you treat each part of a mixed landscape as its own little system with its own water inputs and losses. Different zones get different amounts of sun, wind, soil, and plant types, so their evapotranspiration rate varies. You start by estimating the evapotranspiration for each zone (ETc) to know how much water the zone would lose to air and plants over a period. That ETc sets the target water demand for the zone. Then you translate that demand into actual irrigation by assigning plant water requirements to each zone, effectively matching the irrigation amount to what the zone needs to meet its ETc without overwatering. Using both steps ensures you create a per-zone plan that conserves water while keeping plants healthy.