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Assessing root zone moisture before irrigation is scheduled allows for a more accurate evaluation of the soil's moisture content, ensuring that water is applied only when necessary. This timing provides the opportunity to check if the soil has retained enough moisture since the last irrigation or rainfall, which is crucial for promoting healthy plant growth and optimizing water usage. By determining moisture levels ahead of scheduled irrigation, irrigators can adjust their plans based on the current conditions, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of the irrigation system and conserving water resources.

Evaluating moisture levels after heavy rainfall might not give an accurate depiction of soil moisture for irrigation scheduling, as the soil is still saturated. Checking moisture immediately after planting can be misleading, as newly planted materials often require different moisture levels compared to established plants; thus, it does not reflect ongoing irrigation needs. Finally, assessing moisture during peak sunlight hours is generally not recommended due to increased evaporation rates, which can skew results and lead to unnecessary water application.