Cycle and Soak Irrigation Method
Make Every Drop Count
Most of north central Texas has heavy clay soil that becomes compacted with lawn
maintenance, foot traffic, stormwater and irrigation. Clay soil particles are very small. Water
and air fill the tiny space between the soil particles. Consequently the infiltration rate (the rate
water enters the soil) is very slow. When water fills the space, the saturated soil does not allow
more water to enter the soil and runoff occurs. Water running off landscapes is waste of a
valuable resource. Runoff also carries fertilizer, pesticides and soil unfiltered into the nearest
storm drain which leads to the nearest creek, river or lake. Many sprinkler systems apply water
faster than the soil can absorb it. Consequently, irrigation water is often seen running down the
streets into the storm drain. Many cities have made irrigation water running down the street a
fineable offense. Landscapes require water to thrive. To apply water without creating runoff,
the cycle and soak method of irrigation may be a solution.
Cycle and soak method applies water in multiple cycles with 30 to 60 minutes in between cycles
so water has time to soak deeper into the soil. The first cycle will break the surface tension of
the soil and saturate the top layer of soil. With time, the water soaks deeper allowing the
second cycle to infiltrate the soil more efficiently. A third and even a fourth cycle will be
beneficial if a slope is involved or if runoff occurs after the sprinklers run for just a few minutes.
For example, if you have determined you need to run your sprinklers 12 minutes, schedule your
controller run 2 times for 6 minutes or 3 cycles for 4 minute. If a slope or runoff is involved, run
4 cycles 3 minutes.
Setting Multiples Starts on Controller
Newer irrigation controllers have the ability to have several start times. Some controllers have
up to four start times within their multiple programs. Each controller is different, so investigate
the instruction manual for your controller. If you cannot locate the manual, it may be available
online at the manufacturer’s website or call the manufacturer’s customer service for
instructions to set a cycle and soak schedule or have a licensed irrigator set the controller.
Many landscape maintenance service companies have a licensed irrigation on staff or can
recommend one. For cycle and soak to be effective, set the runtime for each zone for short
cycles. Take some time to determine just how long each zone can run before runoff occurs.
Remember every zone of your irrigation system may be different, so spend a little time
“testing” each zone and calculate the maximum amount of minutes the zone may run until you
see water running off onto sidewalks, driveways or street. Divide the normal runtime into 2, 3,
or more short runtimes. Set a second or third start time 30 to 60 minutes after the last zone
finishes.
Helpful Tip:
For best assistance when calling the irrigation
controller manufacturer’s customer assistance,
use a cordless or cell phone while standing in
front of the controller.
Manually Run Cycle and Soak
While setting cycle and soak to run automatically is the most convenient, using the manual start
on an irrigation controller is also possible. You can manually run every station for several short
cycles or run only the stations or zones where runoff occurs. Set the runtime for the stations
(zones) where you want to use cycle and soak for short cycles (short runtime). Manually start
the entire system to run or just specific Stations (zones). Wait 30 to 60 minutes to manually
start the next cycle.
For example, in a front yard with a 4% or upper slope, runoff may occur very quickly. The higher
the slope, the faster runoff will occur. But the foundation planting around the house has not
runoff. The side and backyards have no runoff. So only the front lawn area has a runoff
problem. So only that area requires cycle and soak. Cycle and soak just one or two stations is
easy manually. Divide the runtime in the sloped area into 2, 3 or 4 short runtimes. Set the
sloped station for the short runtime. Start manually for the 2, 3 or 4 cycles.
New Irrigation Controllers
Some new irrigation controllers will have a cycle and soak setting. For these controllers you set
the maximum runtime and number of cycles. The controller will automatically divide the
runtime into the number of cycles you set. Now may be a good time to purchase a new
controller, if you find your existing controller does not have the ability to schedule multiple
start times with multiple programs. The cost to upgrade a controller will pay for itself by saving
water preventing runoff and effectively using every drop of water on your lawn and landscape.