By: Robert Burns
Charles Swanson (left), Texas AgriLife Extension Service landscape irrigation specialist, shows students at an irrigation scheduling course how to evaluate the efficiency of an irrigation system. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo by Askar Karimov)
COLLEGE STATION – Golf courses, city parks and sports fields are all greening up with recent rains, but professional landscape managers still need to learn irrigation conservation scheduling, according to an irrigation engineer.
“Reservoirs are filling up in some areas, but the problems cities like San Antonio and Dallas have will be ongoing,” said Dr. Guy Fipps, Texas AgriLife Extension Service irrigation engineer, College Station.
To help professional landscape and sports area managers do a better job with the water available, Fipps said the Irrigation Water Conservation and Scheduling short course has been set for 10 a.m – 6 p.m. July 25 at 317 Scoates Hall, College Station.
“The course will also benefit municipality and city water utility personnel, particularly those interested in developing urban water conservation programs,” Fipps said. “But homeowners and others who just want to do a better job with irrigation are welcome too.”
Course registration is $155. Licensed irrigators will earn eight hours of continuing education units approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, according to Fipps. The registration fee also includes a copy of Texas Irrigation Scheduling software and validated on-campus parking.
Course topics include: water supply issues in Texas, irrigation auditing and how to produce irrigation schedules that conserve water while promoting quality landscapes.
Students will be introduced to irrigation auditing concepts and receive hands-on experience by testing an actual irrigation system.
“Students should bring a calculator and materials for taking notes and should dress appropriately for outdoor fieldwork, including rain gear,” said Charles Swanson, AgriLife Extension landscape irrigation specialist and one of the course instructors.
While not necessary, students are welcome to bring laptop computers for use in this class.
To register, go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu and enter the keyword “irrigation” or call 979-845-2604.
For more information contact Swanson at 979-845-5614.
More information on the irrigation scheduling and other courses conducted by the Texas A&M school of irrigation can be found at http://irrigation.tamu.edu.