Landscapers learn about irrigation audits

Landscapers spent the afternoon on March 18, 2008 learning about performing irrigation audits on irrigation systems. Previous studies have shown that 90% of irrigation systems surveyed could save an average of 20% in water savings. Participants learned the basics of irrigation audits from Dr. Kerry Harrison (UGA Ag and Biological Engineering), R.J. Byrne (UGA Thomas County Extension), and Jake Price (UGA Lowdnes County Extension). Data collected in the field can be analyzed with the use of software, and provide the user with a map to identify problems in irrigation systems. This information will help identify problem areas and allow the irrigation owner savings in both water use and also cost savings on a water bill. After the class and hands on demonstrations, participating landscapers agreed that on average they could reduce irrigation water use by +20% after conducting an audit on an irrigation system.

Steer & Heifer Show Winners

Grand Champion Heifer: J. Ben Smith Reserve Champion Heifer: Chelsea Brown

Grand Champion Steer: Chelsea Brown
Reserve Champion Steer: J. Ben Smith
Showmanship Winners:
Cloverbud: Georgia Smith
Cloverleaf: J. Ben Smith
Junior: Jonathan Stewart
Senior: Chelsea Brown

Hog Show Results

Grand Champion Hog: Hailey Parrish
Reserve Champion Hog: Erin Stringer
Showmanship Winners:
Cloverleaf: Hailey Parrish
Junior: Kaylin Tinsley
Senior: J.T. Wynn

UGA/USDA Conservation Tillage Workshop

Folks, if you are interested in learning about the latest research in conservation tillage, this workshop will benefit you.

UGA/USDA Conservation Tillage Workshop

March 31, 2008
Tifton, GA

Agenda

8:00 – 9:00 AM Registration in the NESPAL building on the UGA Tifton Campus

9:00 Dr. Dana Sullivan, USDA-ARS Tifton and Dr. Gary L. Hawkins, UGA-Tifton

9:10 Coexistence of Conservation Tillage and Bioenergy production
Dr. Tim Strickland, USDA-ARS, Tifton

9:40 Low cost management of cotton crops
Jeff Dean, Farmer, Appling County

10:10 Water management with different cover crops
Dr. Gary L. Hawkins, UGA-Tifton

10:40 Corn response to long term conservation tillage
Dr. Dana Sullivan, USDA-ARS, Tifton

11:10 Winter crop biomass response to fall deep tillage
Dr. Randy Raper, USDA-ARS, Auburn, AL

11:40 Economic Impact of the 2007 Farm Bill on Conservation Tillage farmers
Amanda Ziehl, UGA-Tifton

12:10 Lunch

1:00 Field tour
Various cover crops
Various planting dates
Potential new crops

For more information, please contact our office via email or phone 229.225.4130

Landscaper Irrigation Auditing

Calling all landscapers, and irrigation managers...

Improving Efficiency of Landscape Irrigation Systems

Learn How To Perform Irrigation Audits and Add Value

Where : Thomas County EMS Building, 1202 Remington Ave
When : Tuesday, March 18th, 2008
Who To Contact : UGA Thomas County Extension Office,
R.J. Byrne, 229.225.4130

INTRODUCTION……………………………………..……………............1:30

FIVE MAJOR STEPS OF AN IRRIGATION AUDIT……………1:35 - 2:30
(Classroom Session)

CONDUCT IRRIGATION AUDIT……...……………………………...2:35 - 4:00
(Perform live demonstration with hands on training)

SOIL SAMPLING AND HERBICIDE UPDATE……………………4:00 - 4:30
(Pesticide Credits: 3 hours Cat.24 and private applicator have been applied for.)



Knowing how to conduct a landscape irrigation auditing is essential for anyone responsible for designing or managing irrigation systems on urban landscapes such as residential lawns, sports fields, parks, commercial properties, and golf courses. The audit procedure will also benefit municipalities and city water utility personnel, particularly those interested in developing urban water conservation programs. The presentation will introduce the participant to the basic step-by-step procedure to conduct a landscape irrigation audit. This training will provide you with the know-how to conduct audits and add this value-added service to your business.

A joint program of Lowndes and Thomas County Extension