Press Release: Central Coast Irrigation Management Workshop

Irrigation Management Workshop to feature new technologies

Proper irrigation is important for many reasons. It can help growers save money, improve quality and yields, and promotes sustainability. The question is what is the best way to achieve optimum irrigation? This is one of the questions that will be addressed at the Irrigation Management Workshop to be held April 8, 2009 at the Vina Robles Winery in Paso Robles, Calif.

The second annual meeting is a one-day workshop focusing on practical irrigation management for growers, managers and consultants. The primary focus of the meeting will be viticulture on the Central Coast; however, many of the topics apply to other crops and other areas. The program was developed by soil-plant-water relations specialist, Lowell J. Zelinski, Ph.D. and is being hosted by his company, Precision Ag, Inc.

The workshop will feature experts from around the state speaking about topics important to proper irrigation management. There will also be a supplier showcase and soil moisture monitoring equipment demonstrations. The meeting was introduced in 2007 and is the only one-day workshop of its kind. As an agronomist, researcher and educator, one of Zelinski's goals is to help others learn ways to improve quality and agronomic practices. And as an expert with nearly 30 years experience scheduling irrigations, he has a lot of information to share.

"I enjoy teaching and the opportunity to share with others what I have learned through my experience and education," Zelinski said. "I also believe that In order for the Central Coast to become a world-class wine producing region, continuing education and good agronomic practices are critical. There are other educational opportunities in viticulture; however, most of them do not focus on practices for the Central Coast nor are they offered here."

Two of the latest technologies in irrigation scheduling that will be addressed are the leaf Porometer , a new hand-held, easy-to-use tool that records plant water status by measuring stomatal conductance in leaves , and the MPS-1, a new matric (soil water) potential sensor. Both products were developed by Decagon Devices.

Dr. Mark Greenspan will talk about the use of the leaf Porometer in vineyard irrigation scheduling. Greenspan is a well-respected Napa viticulturist and columnist for Wine Business Monthly. He has done a great deal of work with the leaf Porometer and believes it is one the best ways to schedule irrigations.

Lauren Bissell, a product manager from Decagon Devices is going to discuss how to use soil water potential to schedule vineyard irrigations and introduce the matric potential sensor.

Zelinski , who has scheduled thousands of irrigations , believes both tools are valuable to irrigation scheduling and that the matric potential sensor is a major advance.

"The two most important questions to answer when scheduling irrigations is 'when' and 'how much,'" Zelinski explained. "Soil moisture sensors do a great job at telling you how much but not when. For someone to get the most out of their irrigations, they really should know both."

The MPS-1 matric potential sensor was developed by soil scientist Galen Campbell. Campbell is a professor at Washington State University and the lead scientist behind the soil moisture monitoring technology developed by Decagon Devices. He is also cousin to Campbell Scientific owners Evan and Eric Campbell and provided direction and help on new product definition for Campbell Scientific.

Water potential sensors measure how strongly the soil is holding onto water or how hard the plants have to work to take up the water from the soil. According to Zelinski, the MPS-1 can measure a greater range of soil water potential than other water potential sensors on the market. That said, Zelinski believes that the leaf Porometer is the best tool for answering the "when" question.

"When considering when to irrigate, it makes the most sense to ask the plant when it needs water rather than infer the plant water status from the soil-water status. They are both excellent tools and there are pros and cons to both," Zelinski said.

The pros and cons of these two pieces of equipment, as well as other soil moisture products on the market today will be one of the features of the workshop. Workshop organizers have invited all soil moisture monitoring equipment manufacturers to participate in the conference, and those that do will have an opportunity to demonstrate the features of their equipment during the meeting and display them at the supplier showcase. Current equipment sponsors include AdCon, Automata, Decagon Devices, Eko/Crossbow and Irrometer Co. The meeting is also being sponsored by the Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT) and the Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles (IGGPRA).

Attendees will be given a guide to compare the benefits and features of the systems, and then learn why they should use them and how. Zelinski will cover basic soil-plant-water relations and irrigation scheduling methods. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo soils professor, Dr. Tom Rice will discuss local soils; Dr. Steve Gratten, a soil-water specialist from the University of California, Davis will address irrigation water quality; University of California Extension Service farm advisor Mark Battany will teach how to determine crop coefficients, and Paul Sorensen, a principal hydro geologist from Fugro will give an update on the Paso Robles ground water basin.

"This workshop will have something for everyone and cover all aspects of irrigation management," Zelinski said. "If someone is interested in learning how to become more sustainable, improve the quality of their crop, increase yields through better fruit retention and maturity, and potentially save money and water, they should attend the workshop."

The meeting will include a light continental breakfast, lunch, supplier showcase and wine reception. Seating is limited and the early registration deadline is April 1, 2009. CCVT and IGGPRA members receive a $10 registration discount. For more information or to register, please visit www.precisionaginc.com/imw or call (805) 239-8200. Discounted rooms are available at the Paso Robles Marriott by mentioning you are a friend of Precision Ag, Inc.