In cycle-and-soak scheduling, why are breaks between cycles used?

• A. To rinse salts from soil quickly.
• B. To keep irrigation times within 5 minutes.
• C. To allow water infiltration and reduce runoff.
• D. To reduce system pressure.

Answer: (C)

Cycle-and-soak works by delivering water in short bursts and then pausing to let infiltration catch up. The breaks between cycles give the soil time to absorb water and move it deeper into the root zone. If water is applied too quickly without a rest, surface runoff can occur, wasting water and potentially causing erosion, especially on soils with low infiltration or on slopes. The rest period lets infiltration happen so subsequent cycles can apply more water without creating runoff, resulting in more uniform soil moisture and better access to water for the plants. It’s not about keeping irrigation times under a specific limit or changing system pressure; it’s about matching application to the soil’s ability to infiltrate and preventing surface runoff. Rinsing salts quickly isn’t the primary aim of this method.