On the Scene in Long Beach: Irrigation Show 2018 with UF's E3 Learners

By Michael Gutierrez

Among the many events that go on during the annual Irrigation Show and Education Conference, one of the more rewarding is the E3 Irrigation Program. Every summer the Irrigation Foundation invites students from around the country to apply for a week or exposure, experience and education on location at the show. This includes attending classes and networking events, and engaging vendors during the large product expo. 2018’s E3 Learner class included students from 19 schools in 14 states. Representing UF were two PhD students from the Department of Horticultural Sciences. They agreed to share a little of their E3 experience with IrriGator.

UF HortSci PhD students Ricardo Lesmes and Natalia Macan

Can you introduce yourselves?

RL: I am Ricardo Lesmes. I am originally from Colombia. Currently I’m working in Dr. Johnny Ferrarezi's lab located in Fort Pierce at Indian River REC. I’m a PhD student in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. We grow premium grapefruit, which is one of the most sensitive citrus species to HLB (Huanglongbing or citrus greening - the worst disease the industry has ever faced). I work with citrus under protective screens. We’re focused on preventing infection of the trees by using physical barriers against the main vector of this disease - Asian citrus psyllid.

This production system of groves enclosed in screenhouses is a different microclimate for the crop. I focus on improving the horticultural aspects of the production of high quality fresh fruit. Experiments focus on testing new citrus varieties, testing the effects of different color nets, testing canopy management (automated or manual) and testing irrigation and fertigation management of the groves using soil moisture sensors and weather stations in the screenhouses.

NM: I am Natalia Macan, a PhD student at the Horticultural Sciences department. I started my studies in August 2018 and I am still discussing the details of my research project with my advisor, Dr. Rhuanito Ferrarezi. However, I can say that it will focus on irrigation management strategies for HLB affected grapefruit. HLB, or greening, is a disease with severe impact on the citriculture. Regarding the plant, one of the consequences is the reduction of root density. This affects the plant ability to uptake water and nutrients. So, it is necessary to study if the frequency of irrigation events and the amount of applied water should be different from healthy plants. Moreover, most of the irrigation management here in Florida is based on weather data, and the idea is also to test soil moisture sensors.

What motivated you to apply to E3?

RL: Different motivations. One was networking. I am starting my second year here. The industry production systems and technology level here is quite different from my country. I wanted to get to know the industry, manufacturers, other researchers, and learn about different equipment to improve my knowledge to conduct better research.

E3 Learner Class of 2018

NM: The main reason was to expand my irrigation knowledge. I have been passionate about irrigation since 2012, when I took my first undergraduate level class. I had an excellent professor (Dr. Tamara Gomes) and I liked learning how to develop an irrigation project. It caught my attention because it involves biological concepts, plants and soil, and engineering concepts, using math and physics to calculate friction loss. I was very excited when Dr. Ferrarezi told me about the E3 program. I knew that it would be an excellent opportunity to improve my knowledge, learn about new technologies and meet people that also work with irrigation.

What do you feel was the most rewarding aspect of this week?

RL: Everything was enriching to me. I enjoyed the classes. They were useful to improve and update my knowledge in this field. Being aware about all the different resources we have as students and future scientists. The expo is impressive - so many manufacturers and companies that work to improve water management in different fields, always producing better products, integrating technological advancements to manage water better.

NM: It is hard to choose just one thing. During the week I had the opportunity to attend many events and each one was special in a different way. At the education classes, I improved my technical knowledge and what I learned about drip irrigation design I am going to use to double check the irrigation system in my experiment. At technical sessions, I became aware of new irrigation research and this will also be helpful for my research because I learned about some difficulties in the use of soil moisture sensors. At the exhibition, I visited many companies and discovered new types of sensors that can be used for irrigation scheduling. I also had the opportunity to meet students, researchers, vendors, all type of people that work with irrigation. However, if I have to choose, there were two most rewarding moments in the week. The first was Mark Eaton’s keynote lecture and his message to help and protect who is around us. We live in a very competitive world and his speech made me think about it. The second moment was the Women in Irrigation Social. We know that irrigation is a male-dominated industry, so it was gratifying to see the room full of women that, like me, decided to follow this career.

Would you recommend E3 to students focused on ag or irrigation?

NM: Of course! This is a unique opportunity! If you like irrigation, you must participate in the E3 program. As I said in the previous answer if you attend the Irrigation Show and Education Conference you will learn, expand your network and be exposed to new ideas that can be useful in your job/research.

RL: Absolutely. This experience not only updates your knowledge but it also gives you the chance to open your eyes and have a wider picture of the industry and see what is going on in a real life sense because it encompasses scientific seminars and also what the industry is doing for growers.