Base Line BaseStation 3200, User Manual, Page: 100 / 102

BaseStation 3200 Advanced Irrigation Controller Manual
Page
92
field capacity This is the maximum water holding capacity of the soil, in other words, the level of soil
moisture left in the soil after drainage of the gravitational water. Irrigation to levels above
field capacity will result in runoff or drainage as gravitational water.
flow device A device that is capable of measuring water flow and water used
GPH The abbreviation for gallons per hour
GPM The abbreviation for gallons per minute
hydrozone A grouping of plants that have similar water requirements and can be watered the same
infiltration The process by which water passes through soil – the liquid permeates the soil by passing
through the pores in the soil
k value (also known as K-factor) A calibration factor for a flow device expressed in pulses per unit
volume. The K value is used to calibrate the volumetric throughput of a flow device.
Manufacturers give the K value (or K-factor) of their flow device in the device
specification.
linked zone Within a zone group, there is one primary zone and all other zones are then “linked” to
the primary and will get their programming information from the primary (water time,
program, schedule, etc.)
lower limit This water strategy is programmed by setting the schedule to water every day and then
setting the biSensor to allow watering when the moisture level drops below this limit –
the controller can automatically set this lower limit after a calibration cycle, or it can be
set manually.
master valve (MV) An automatic or manual valve installed at the supply point which controls water flow into
the system mainline piping. The controller allows four master valves (MV1 to MV4). By
default, all master valves are assumed to be Normally Closed, unless they are specifically
programmed to be Normally Open.
maximum allowed
depletion (MAD)
When the soil moisture content reaches this level, irrigation needs to start. In most cases,
the maximum allowed depletion level is just before the plants begin to show visible signs
of stress.
microclimate The climate of a specific location within a landscape. Variations in climate are influenced
by subtle differences in temperature, humidity, and wind exposure. Microclimates can
have a significant impact on plant water needs.
NCMV Normally closed master valve – built in to the BL-5402NCMV flow device
NOMV Normally open master valve – built in to the BL-5402NOMV flow device. It can monitor
high flow and shut down independently from the controller.
offset value A calibration factor for a flow device that compensates for limitations in the device’s
ability to measure small signals adequately. Manufacturers give the maximum amount of
offset associated with their flow device in the device specification
permanent wilting
point
When soil moisture content reaches this level, plants can no longer get water from the
soil, and they will wilt and die
powered decoder A decoder device that interprets the signals that it receives from the controller and tells
the valve to turn on or off. A powered decoder is designed to retrofit into existing systems
and requires 120 VAC service at installation location.