West Coast-bound: Irrigation Show and Education Conference 2014

This week hundreds of irrigation workers and academics will gather in Phoenix, AZ, for the 2014 Irrigation Show and Education Conference.

Déjà vu?

However, before we look forward, let's take a look back. Last month, a group of us irriGators traveled to the WaterSmart Innovations Conference to learn about the latest research in eight different tracks of water-use topics! 

WaterSmart social media workshop with two of the best: Alan Harris & Richard Restuccia

Some of the highlights for me included the weather-based irrigation controller research, several talks on water budget rate structuring, and the prevalence of smart, cloud-based irrigation controllers for residential use at the product expo. 

On the mic: soil moisture sensor expert Bernard Cardenas

Our own Bernard Cardenas presented on using soil moisture sensors successfully with reclaimed water irrigation, and we did our best to commandeer the tweet screens documenting all the interesting goings-on during the conference.

#WSI2014: tweet, or it didn't happen

Oh you read that right...a robotic sprinkler

Every drop counts: Flo from EPA WaterSense & Athens-Clarke County's Lily Anne Phibian 

#IrrigShow14

In addition to technical sessions presenting research, this week’s Irrigation Show features a massive product expo. 

Did I say it was massive?

For the second consecutive year, ARCSA will have its own pavilion on the show floor, reminding everyone that lots of perfectly useful water falls from the sky. Cloud-based smart irrigation technology will also be well represented (including a promising, new remotely accessible, wireless soil moisture sensor). And the new product contest area always helps ensure no effective water management innovation goes overlooked.

Teacher mode: Dr. Stacia Davis instructs Extension personnel

I’m excited about reconnecting with former irriGator, and current LSU faculty, Dr. Stacia Davis. Dr. Davis will present previous research work from the on-going Orange County Smart Irrigation Study. Further, following last year’s successful "Value of Certification" video project, I’ll be wearing my Miami-Dade Urban Conservation Unit hat in Phoenix and rolling cameras on a new work. 

Meeting of the minds: IA's Brent Mecham and Dr. Michael Dukes at WaterSmart

I would be remiss if I did not mention that the Irrigation Show is where our own Dr. Michael Dukes will formally accept this year’s Irrigation Foundation Excellence in Education Award.

Stay tuned for live tweets and additional blog coverage of all the exciting Irrigation Show events.

About the author: 

Michael Gutierrez is a water resources 
technician with UF/IFAS in the Ag & Bio 
Engineering Dept. He tweets, blogs and 
also shoots still and video media in South 
Florida, Gainesville and anywhere else a 
camera is handy. (image: Gainesville Sun)

Preparing for tomorrow, today: Dr. Michael Dukes and the 2014 Excellence in Education Award

Water is a major issue in Florida, a growing state concerned with both supplying development and maintaining a valuable tourism industry. In this context, it's no surprise that Florida attracts some of the brightest minds in water management. One of these experts is the University of Florida's Dr. Michael Dukes.

Excellence in Education
The Irrigation Foundation recently honored Dr. Dukes with their 2014 Excellence in Education Award. This award recognizes someone working in academia and helping to develop professionals well-equipped for a sustainable irrigation industry.

Like this, but more shelf-friendly: Dr. Dukes instructs at an Extension event in South FL this spring

Dr. Dukes will formally accept the award later this month at the 2014 Irrigation Show and Education Conference in Phoenix, AZ.

Why do we irrigate? Dr. Dukes has answers.

In the meantime, Dr. Dukes took a minute to offer some insight about the role of educators in the water management industry today and what motivates him as an educator, specifically.

Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Irrigation Show and this great honor for the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department and the University of Florida family.

Yes, but do they work? Putting soil moisture sensors to the test

First in a smart water application technology series.

In Florida, irrigation water-use accounts for around 50% of total household water consumption. Most of the single-family homes recently built in Florida (as well as in the U.S.) include an automatic irrigation system, which results in an increase in demand from already limited water resources. 

Save water, Florida! Courtesy: EPA WaterSense

The development of best management practices for irrigation of landscapes has become an undeniable strategic, economic, and environmental issue for the state. New soil moisture sensor systems (SMSs) for landscape irrigation control may improve irrigation efficiency, promote water conservation, and reduce environmental impacts of over-irrigation.

Sensing savings

A research project was funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District to evaluate SMS-based irrigation systems. The main goal: to determine if SMSs could reduce the water applied, compared to common time-based irrigation schedules implemented by homeowners. At the same time, we wanted to know if these hypothetical water savings could be achieved without compromising an acceptable turf quality.

On the corner of research & technology: the plots

The experimental area (at UF research facilities in Gainesville) consisted of common bermudagrass plots (10 x 10 ft). The sensors of four commercially available SMS systems (brands Acclima, Rain Bird, Irrometer, and Water Watcher) were buried at the 7 to 10 cm depth. For comparison purposes, time-based treatments with and without a rain sensor, and a non-irrigated treatment were also implemented. 

Proper soil moisture sensor installation with Bernard Cardenas

Non-irrigated, but green
During the 2-year experiment, normal/wet weather conditions prevailed in the research area, which favored turf growth and development. As a result, no significant differences in turfgrass quality among treatments were detected, even when compared to the non-irrigated plots. This means that, for sustained normal/wet weather conditions in Gainesville, a bermudagrass turf probably would not need supplemental irrigation.

Regarding the SMS treatments, most of them recorded significant irrigation water savings compared to the time-based irrigation schedules. Savings ranged from 69% to 92% for three of the four SMS brands tested. The treatment with-rain-sensor, on the other hand, resulted in 34% less water applied than the without-rain-sensor treatment. All these water savings were achieved without decreasing turfgrass quality below acceptable levels.

Time to validate
Therefore, SMSs represent a promising technology for water conservation, even better than the rain sensors mandated by FL law. Given these results, we then sought to test SMSs under sustained dry weather conditions and in residential irrigation systems.

This research was conducted by Mr. Bernardo Cardenas, Dr. Michael D. Dukes and Dr. Grady Miller. 

Bernardo Cardenas has a M. Sc. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, from UF. He specializes in smart water application technology research, but refuses to irrigate his own lawn.

On our way to WaterSmart Innovations 2014

Next week I’ll be one of many water management workers, experts, academics and brand reps attending the WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas, arguably the premiere water-efficiency gathering in the US.

Stakes are high
WaterSmart is always a treat for me for a host of reasons. Yes, there is a product expo for new gear and technology, but the emphasis at this event is the professional sessions. So many sessions! Inevitably, I’m forced to weigh great topics against great topics (maybe next time turf removal report ;_;) when ironing out the itinerary because there are so many interesting water-focused presentations.

Who can forget the animated debate that followed 2013's multi-stream nozzle talk

That this has been another year of harsh drought in the western US only underscores the importance of bringing experts and decision-makers together to share what has been working and successful in water management.

#WSI2014
WaterSmart divides professional sessions into different tracks, some more relevant to my work than others. With the intense drought in California, many suggest that water rationing is around the corner. One possible alternative is water budgets. Several municipalities have already adopted budgets. I'll be attending those sessions. I recently gave a talk to graduate students in UF's Ag & Bio Engineering Department about the value of social media, so reports of programs successfully integrating these resources in their outreach are always of interest to me.

Sensor vs. sensor: on-site and saving you water

And since much of my work entails working with all things smart irrigation (apps, soil sensors, WBICs!) I’m definitely excited about the sessions evaluating these devices in real world settings.

Gather 'round: UF's Bernard Cardenas will be presenting on soil moisture sensors at WaterSmart  

Stay tuned
I’ll be traveling to WaterSmart with IrriGator all-stars Dr. Michael Dukes and Bernard Cardenas. Watch for live tweets and a future report back and video.

Relive Watersmart 2013 courtesy Miami-Dade's Urban Conservation Unit

About the author: 

Michael Gutierrez is a water resources 
technician with UF/IFAS in the Ag & Bio 
Engineering Dept. He tweets, blogs and 
also shoots still and video media in South 
Florida, Gainesville and anywhere else a 
camera is handy. (image: Jesus Lomeli)

Florida-Friendly Landscapes: When less (irrigation) is definitely more (water conservation)

Usually, the conclusions follow the research, but not so for the water conservation benefit of Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL). The FFL program  has been touted as a method for conserving water (Florida statutes agree), but before our recently published study, no peer-reviewed published research existed documenting the actual water conservation of FFLs.

The FFL program promotes environmentally sustainable landscape practices. Recognized FFLs usually have more ornamental plants and less turfgrass, although there is no restriction on the amount of grass allowed. There are nine principles to  a recognized FFL, and the second principle “water efficiently” is the focus of our research. The FFL recommended practices for water conservation include:

     • Irrigating turfgrass and ornamental plants separately,
     • Grouping plants with similar water needs,
     • Reducing irrigation in the rainy summers and mild winters, and
     • Having a rain shutoff device for a sprinkler system.

Xeriscaping, a somewhat similar landscape approach, has been shown in research studies to reduce irrigation in the arid southwest. Although both FFL and Xeriscape have the same goal of conserving resources, they are designed for very different environments (both in terms of growing conditions and aesthetics). Additionally, FFL encourages wildlife habitat creation and protection whereas Xeriscape focuses primarily on water conservation.

L to R: Comparing perennial peanut to cacti - Florida-Friendly and xeriscape examples

For our study, we visited FFLs in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in southwest Florida, evaluating 125 FFLs and identifying 736 comparison (well-maintained, turf-dominated) landscapes. All landscapes were part of single-family residential homes and used potable water for irrigation. We used up to twelve years of monthly water billing records for each home and property appraiser data to estimate each home’s monthly irrigation use, and we used daily weather data to estimate the monthly irrigation required (how much each home should have been watering). Once we began our site visits, we realized that just because a landscape was recognized as a FFL doesn’t mean that it’s still maintained as a FFL, or is a landscape that we would want to replicate. FFLs were classified as either good (well-maintained, diverse plantings) or not-so-good (well-maintained but not exhibiting FFL characteristics, or poorly maintained).

Recognized FFLs: The Goods

Recognized FFLs: The Not-So Goods

For the comparison landscapes, we rated the turf on a scale of 1 to 9, with minimally acceptable turf for our study being 6. The landscape quality of the comparison homes varied, from slightly patchy and yellow-green to beautiful green carpets of high-quality turfgrass you could take a nap on.

Comparison homes: Not all turfgrass is created equal

Our analysis of estimated irrigation use indicated that FFL homes used 50% less irrigation than comparison homes, and irrigation savings were seen in every month (shown in figure below). At least half of all monthly irrigation values were zero, meaning that a large portion of both FFLs and comparisons did not use in-ground irrigation systems or water regularly. Both landscapes were irrigated less than what was required for well-watered turfgrass.

When considering only “Good” FFLs and their comparison landscapes with high-quality turfgrass, irrigation savings increased to 76%. Comparison homes’ irrigation exceeded the irrigation required for well-watered turfgrass in the winter months.

Before becoming FFL-recognized, the FFL homes already used less irrigation than the comparison homes did, meaning that those most concerned with water use were more likely to choose a Florida-Friendly Landscape. Even though they tended to already be low water users, FFL homes reduced their irrigation use 28% after their landscapes became recognized.

The results of this study demonstrate the ability of FFLs to conserve potable water used for irrigation. A follow-up study will survey FFL and comparison homeowners so we can better understand how the irrigation savings are being achieved.

Thanks to Southwest Florida Water Management District and Tampa Bay Water for funding this project and to Michael Gutierrez and Sara Wynn for their assistance. This study was co-authored by Michael Dukes, Linda Young, and Shu Wang.

About the author

Mackenzie Boyer is a Ph.D. candidate in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida. She studies residential irrigation using utility water billing data. Her two dogs undermine all her efforts to keep her own lawn looking presentable.    

EPAF 2014: delivering UF/IFAS research through mobile app technology

PANAMA CITY BEACH - An exciting new adventure began at EPAF 2014 – researchers and specialists developing UF/IFAS apps got together and showcased their products! All the apps provide information that can be used by anyone and are available in both the iOs and Android app stores.

Dr. Michael Dukes and Dr. Gail Hansen De Chapman lead discussion

Amongst the presenters was Michael Dukes and Gale Marie Hansen De Chapman. They introduced the (soon to be released) Florida Gardening Solutions App and the Florida Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide, respectively.

Dr. Paul Fisher presents Backpocketgrower

Another useful product was Dr. Paul Fisher's Backpocketgrower app. 

Kinwa Inc.'s David Muir leads a breakout group

The event also hosted two app developers - Jose Debastiani Andreis (who works for the AgroClimate group) and David Muir from North FL outfit Kinwa, Inc. Both provided excellent perspective on the finer points of undertaking an app development project.

Jose Andreis: programmer for all the Smartrrigation Apps

In search of a list of UF/IFAS apps? This document may not be comprehensive, but it includes all the products covered at EPAF. 

Missed the training? Watch the video.

Kati Migliaccio, PhD PE

Associate Professor

Tropical REC / Agricultural & Biological Engineering

Drip Irrigation School IST

Who?

Some of IFAS's finest faculty! Bob Hochmuth (SmallFarms mastermind), Kelly Morgan (UF Agricultural BMP coordinator), Lincoln Zotarelli (Vegetable crop expert and irrigation guru), and George Hochmuth (Fertlizer/irrigation expert and all around great guy)- just to name a few!


What?

Drip Irrigation School (more info on drip)

Day 1
Time	Topic	Speaker	Location
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.	Check-in & Snacks: Refreshments will be provided		Conference Room
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.	Welcome: Introduction of Speaker Line-Up, Introduction of Attendees	Kelly Morgan	Conference Room
9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	Drip Irrigation System Design, Components, and Installation	Mark Burgess	Start in Conference Room
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Break: Refreshments will be provided		Conference Room
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Soil Water Holding Capacity 101	Kelly Morgan	Conference Room
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Lunch will be provided		Conference Room/ Pole Barn
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Irrigation Scheduling: Basic Principles of soil water holding capacity – field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water content, evapotranspiration, demo with soil columns for water movement in Florida soils. Determining and Scheduling Irrigation, Fertigation Events, Splitting Irrigation Events, Tools and Techniques – Use of Soil Moisture Based Sensors to Monitor Soil Moisture Levels – TDRs, Tensiometer, Gypsum Blocks/Granular Matrix Sensors	Lincoln Zotarelli/Mace Bauer	Conference Room/Outside
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.	Break: Refreshments will be provided		Conference Room
3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Developing a Fertilizer Management Plan for Drip Irrigated Crops and Complying with BMP Requirements (Calculations)	George Hochmuth,	Conference Room
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn for Day 1

Where?

Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center

(The classes will be held at the Center’s Farm location, 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060)

When?

November 18-19, 2014

How?

UF IFAS Extension Faculty can register on PDEC. If you plan to attend - let Aparna Gazula know at agazula@ufl.edu