California launches advanced microirrigation program to boost crop water efficiency

University of California experts will lead the first California offering of the Advanced School on Microirrigation for Crop Production from March 30 to April 3, providing farmers, crop consultants and water managers with practical tools to improve irrigation efficiency. Registration closes March 25.

The five-day program combines three days of classroom instruction at UC Davis with two days of field visits in the San Joaquin Valley and along the Central Coast, covering fruit and nut production, vegetables, berries and vineyards. An online option is available for the classroom portion.

“Microirrigation is no longer optional in many agricultural production regions worldwide,” said Daniele Zaccaria, professor of agricultural water management for Cooperative Extension at UC Davis. “It is essential for producing more food per unit of water and for achieving higher fertilizer use efficiency, relying on greater application precision and pursuing improved environmental stewardship.”

The program is designed for a broad audience, including farmers and ranch managers, crop consultants, water resource planners and irrigation practitioners, as well as scientists, educators, students and agency personnel.

“This offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn directly from global leaders in the field, combining cutting-edge science, real-world applications and field experience,” Zaccaria said. “It’s an excellent investment of time for anyone committed to the future of crop production in semi-arid and arid environments.”

The school is co-organized by the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Chilean Water Technology Consortium and the California Irrigation Institute. Lectures will cover topics including:

• Microirrigation system design, operation, maintenance and automation
• Soil-water-plant relationships
• Fertigation and chemigation
• Salinity management
• Crop-specific irrigation strategies

Participants will receive a UC Certificate of Completion, a copy of the book Microirrigation for Crop Production, and continuing education units, including 18.5 CEUs for lectures and 9.5 CEUs for field visits from the American Society of Agronomy, along with credits from the Irrigation Association. Class size is limited to 100 participants to ensure hands-on learning.

The full schedule, speaker lineup and registration details are available online.

Zaccaria’s organization of the school is supported by his Alexander and Elizabeth Swantz Endowed Specialist Position and funds from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.