In the Lab and On the Board: A Michael Dukes Interview

By Michael Gutierrez

UF ABE Professor Michael Dukes was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Irrigation Association (IA). Those of us who work in outdoor water-use know IA as an advocacy organization, a certifying body and a resource for young people interested in green industry careers. IrriGator interviewed Dr. Dukes about what it means to be part of the IA Board and his outlook on irrigation for 2018.

Dr. Michael Dukes presents at Irrigation Show & Education Conference 2017

What does it mean to you to be elected to the Irrigation Association’s(IA) Board of Directors?
MD: It’s a great honor to be elected to the board. I’m only the second academic to be elected to the board. Very few are elected I believe because there aren’t many of us academics that work closely with industry. I enjoy learning about the industry and helping promote efficient Irrigation.

You’ve been involved with IA a number of years now. What do you hope to contribute in this role?

MD: I’ve been involved with IA in volunteer committee and leadership roles for 15 years or so and this role on the board is really exciting since the board sets policy for the organization. I look forward to participating in that role. I think I’ll learn much about the organization and its individual members in this role. I look forward to it!

Excited to be at the new @IrrigationAssoc new board member orientation! Promoting irrigation efficiency! pic.twitter.com/PgGt6ueivH

— Michael Dukes (@mddukes) September 26, 2017

Why is IA good for the industry?

MD: The IA promotes efficient Irrigation, in fact that is the organization’s mission! Thus the IA works as a bridge between the industry and government organizations to help promote the responsible and efficient use of water for irrigation. The efficient use of water results in the maintenance of landscapes to consumers’ desire as well as the food crops we require with the least amount of water possible. As a result, we’ll be able to sustain a growing population.

The new year is just getting started, can you give us any insight on what you’re focused on this year? Any trends you’re excited about in irrigation in 2018?

MD: Though water conservation hasn’t gotten as much attention in recent years, the Florida Water 2070 report estimates an additional 15 million people in Florida by that year. Development related water demand will increase 100% and the report goes on to say that reducing landscape irrigation is the single most effective strategy to reduce water demand in Florida.

Water 2070 Report

In 2018 we are still working closely with utilities on evaluation of Irrigation water conservation. They need to quantify whether things like rain sensors (Long Term Expanding-Disk Rain Sensor Accuracy) and sprinkler nozzles save enough water to warrant rebates. We are also working with developers to encourage implementation of Florida-Friendly Landscaping that we’ve shown reduces Irrigation by half compared to traditional landscapes and Irrigation (Irrigation Conservation of Florida-Friendly Landscaping Based on Water Billing Data.).

In addition, water quality impacts on the Floridan Aquifer have resulted in our project funded by the USDA. We are researching agricultural Best Management Practices such as nutrient management and irrigation management with soil moisture sensors to reduce the loss of nitrogen to the aquifer.

Notes from Long Beach: Irrigation Show and Conference 2015

Earlier this month I attended the Irrigation Association’s Irrigation Show and Education Conference in Long Beach, CA. The UF contingent included me, Bernard Cardenas and Drs. Michael Dukes and Kati Migliaccio. We were among the several thousand experts, contractors, technicians and brand reps whom coursed through the Long Beach Convention Center over seven days.

Like the bat-signal, but for certified irrigation pros!

Nerd Alert

In addition to the usual classes and technical sessions, this year’s event featured an ASABE/IA Irrigation Symposium to showcase peer-reviewed research, and a Drought Summit to strategize around water scarcity.

Soil moisture sensor expert Bernard Cardenas during the first of two presentations

Of course, the symposium is where us researchers shine. We presented on soil moisture sensors, weather-based controller programming, sustainable landscapes and water-use efficiency and smart phone apps for irrigation scheduling and management.

A crowd forms for more info following Dr. Migliaccio's talk on irrigation apps

Roving Reporter

I was in full media mode during conference week – tweeting, periscoping and shooting video for a collaborative project with the Irrigation Foundation’s E3 Program. The E3 program sponsors students and instructors from across the country to attend the IA Conference and immerse themselves in all the industry connections and expertise the week affords one. 

Live-tweeting novices & experts alike, stop by 102b tonight. Let's talk social media for everyone. #irrigationshow15 pic.twitter.com/hqSNRTCg1Q

— UF/IFAS IrriGator (@IrriGatorUF) November 10, 2015

I also had the honor of presenting on social media best practices alongside longtime colleague/mentor Richard Restuccia.

On the Cusp

You cannot report back about the Irrigation Show without mentioning the product expo. Every year the expo floor seems to grow larger and this year was no exception. I was on the hunt for new/interesting urban landscape irrigation products and these days that usually means cloud-based and wireless.

Cloud-based soil moisture sensors are a thing!

I managed to locate a couple of new WaterSense certified timers in this category. I also stumbled upon a soil moisture sensor touting said features. The future looks bright for remotely accessible smart irrigation!

On-site Insight

From my perspective, conferences like IA’s are invaluable as conduits for in-person contact with industry peers. For instance, while gathering content for a high-efficiency nozzle video for Miami-Dade’s Urban Conservation Unit, I learned from the EPA WaterSense team attending the conference that pressure regulating sprinkler (PRS) bodies are a more reliable means for water savings in the landscape.

Learning about @Hunter_Ind's MPR rotator & pressure regulating sprays! #videoproject #irrigationshow15 pic.twitter.com/DzoX8YPoxa

— UF/IFAS Miami U.C.U. (@MiamiUCU) November 12, 2015

In fact, WaterSense has plans to certify PRS bodies in the near future. For incentive-based programs like Miami-Dade’s this is a critical new development. And for an irrigation-head like me, well this is the kind of on-site insight that I am ALL about. See you next year in Las Vegas!