INNOVATION
overall system. This is an exciting development. A fully integrated system, where decision support is part of the integration, addresses the burden of doing irrigation scheduling and has the potential to improve water management. However, alongside this opportunity there is also concern. The algorithms and calculations for generating irrigation schedules can be complex. Growers and other water users may not have the time or access necessary to verify that the irrigation schedule will result in the desired outcome. Growers must trust that the software works as expected. Manufacturers work hard to earn that trust. Growers value this trust significantly, but establishing the trust takes time.
Establishing this kind of trust has been done in the past. Over its 40-year history, CIT has worked with manufacturers and standards bodies to develop testing protocols for drip tape, valves, sprinklers and landscape irrigation controllers. For users, these tests help to establish trust in the products they buy. CIT has begun working on a new testing service that will build that same kind of trust
for irrigation scheduling. The fundamental challenge for this service is twofold. First, the test must give users confidence that the software will not produce harmful results. Second, the test must not limit or impinge on manufacturers’ freedom to innovate and differentiate their products.
CIT directos
Edward M. Norum, PE .................1980-1985 Kenneth H. Solomon, PhD, PE ...........1985-1994 David F. Zoldoske, EdD, CID .............1994-2017 Sargeant J. Green (acting director) ......2017-2019 Charles C. Hillyer, PhD ..............2019-present
Development of this testing service is still in its early stages, and the specific details are yet to be defined. CIT is seeking input and collaboration from all stakeholders who are interested. If you would like to get involved, please reach out to us at
www.fresnostate.edu/jcast/cit/ or contact us directly at
hillyer@csufresno.edu.
Charles Hillyer, PhD, is the director of the Center for Irrigation Technology.
Kate Norum is a project manager at the Center for Irrigation Technology.
irrigationtoday.org
Summer 2020 | Irrigation TODAY 27
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