Instructor(s): Derek Heeren
Number of Credit Hours: 3
Crosslistings: MSYM 852, WATS 452, PLAS 452
Prerequisites: MSYM 109 or PHYS 141 or PHYS 151 or PHYS 211 PLAS/SOIL 153 recommended.
Description: The purpose of the course is to develop a working understanding of irrigation systems and how they are managed. The course will stress the fundamentals as well as application of modern irrigation technology. The effects of irrigation on water quality and water supplies will be discussed. Improved water management for minimizing impacts on water resources and the environment will be emphasized.
Learning Outcomes/Course Objectives
- Measure soil water content and use the information for irrigation management.
- Measure water flow rates, calculate water application amounts, and apply data in irrigation management.
- Calculate plant water use rates and use the information in irrigation design and management.
- Apply various irrigation scheduling techniques.
- Match irrigation pumps to the irrigation system and determine the appropriate size of electric motors.
- Select, describe, and evaluate sprinkler, microirrigation, and surface irrigation systems.
- Analyze the costs of operating an irrigation system.
- Understand the legal and regulatory constraints to water use for irrigation.
- Prevent backflow of contaminants from irrigation systems to the water source.
- Understand the impacts of irrigation on water resources and the environment.
- Understand how irrigation wells operate.