DEMONSTRATING THE ADVANCEMENTS OF AUTOMATED IRRIGAITON TECHNOLGY FOR ADOPTION IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CROPS
Sustainable Agriculture
Tyler Pittman
Ag & Natural Resources Agent
UF/IFAS Extension
Trenton
Abstract
In north-central Florida, I launched an educational program to introduce automation technologies to fruit and vegetable producers using drip irrigation systems, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability in crop management. My focus was on developing portable and adaptable automation technologies tailored to the region's specific challenges. I conducted demonstrations of these technologies at full production scale on collaborating producers' fields on a total of 80 acre annually. I showcased them at multiple annual events including three field days and two producer meetings, reaching over 300 producers and farm staff last year. Producers rapidly adopted the technologies, leading to collaboration between producers and industry to refine and develop them further based on real-world feedback. Initial program assessment data and scientific data suggested positive impacts on water conservation and nutrient efficiency. Automation allowed for more frequent, shorter irrigation events, reducing water usage and minimizing nutrient leaching. Producers also recognized potential cost savings, notably in labor efficiency, with significant reductions in labor hours per acre saving approximately 80 labor hours per 40-acre field. After these demonstrations the adoption of automation technologies expanded rapidly across the region, with 750 acres of 2000 total acres of watermelons in Gilchrist County and approximately 1200 acres of 7000 acres region wide. Despite our success, there remains a need for continued research to fully quantify our impacts and outreach to further adoption. Overall, my educational program has played a crucial role in promoting the adoption of automation in drip-irrigated crop production in north-central Florida. By addressing regional challenges and engaging producers through demonstrations and outreach, we have facilitated sustainable practices and increased efficiency in fruit and vegetable production.
Authors: Tyler Pittman
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Tyler Pittman Ag & Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32693