Bruce Lesikar & Dana Porter
January 1, 2001 – December 31, 2001
Progress of Work and Principal Accomplishments
Objective 1: To evaluate and refine microirrigation management strategies to promote natural resource protection and optimal crop production.
SDI system design and management on peanut/cotton rotations are being evaluated in a multi-agency cooperative project initiated in the 2000 and continued for the 2001 growing season. Irrigation scheduling strategies based upon ET replacement are being used to refine the crop coefficient curve for peanut in the Texas Southern High Plains. The study is being coordinated with a related investigation (at the same site) of irrigation scheduling using Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) and Low Elevation Spray Application (LESA) systems, so that the irrigation application methods can be evaluated and compared.
Objective 2: To improve, modify, and evaluate microirrigation system design and components for natural resource protection and optimal crop production.
Objective 3: To assess and develop decision criteria for adoption of microirrigation technologies.
Objective 4: To promote appropriate microirrigation technologies through formal and informal educational activities.
Continuing education short courses have been developed for professionals (installers, designers, inspectors) working with on-site wastewater treatment systems. A short course is being developed titled "Subsurface Drip Distribution Systems". This course is being offered on a State and National basis.
Work Planned
Objective 1: To evaluate and refine microirrigation management strategies to promote natural resource protection and optimal crop production.
Continue cooperative projects addressing application of SDI technology in deficit-irrigation crop production systems. Continue efforts to refine management of these systems.
Objective 2: To improve, modify, and evaluate microirrigation system design and components for natural resource protection and optimal crop production.
Continue cooperative projects addressing design criteria and application of SDI in wastewater disposal (on-site wastewater treatment).
Objective 3: To assess and develop decision criteria for adoption of microirrigation technologies.
Continue to address economics and performance of SDI and BMPs. Continue comparison of SDI with other irrigation methods to support system selection and management decisions under various cropping systems, water resources, and soil/topographic conditions.
Objective 4: To promote appropriate microirrigation technologies through formal and informal educational activities.
Continue education and promotion activities; address current and new audiences through a variety of formats and educational media. A short course will be developed which specifically addresses the use of subsurface drip distribution for application of residential wastewater.
Referred Publications
Jnad, I., B.J. Lesikar, A. L. Kenimer, and G. Sabbagh. 2001. Soil characteristic of a subsurface drip drain field receiving residential effluent: I. Chemical characteristic. Trans. of ASAE. 44(5):.
Jnad, I., B.J. Lesikar, A. L. Kenimer, and G. Sabbagh. 2001. Soil characteristic of a subsurface drip drain field receiving residential effluent: II. Hydraulic characteristic. Trans. of ASAE. 44(5):.
Proceedings Papers
Lesikar, B.J. 2001. Operations and management of onsite systems. National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association 10th annual conference and exhibition. October 10-13, 2001. Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Jnad, I. and B.J. Lesikar, 2001. Characterizing soil hydraulic properties. 9th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems. March 11-14, 2001, Fort Worth, Texas (Editor Reviewed)
Jnad I. and B.J. Lesikar. 2001. Characterizing soil hydraulic properties in a subsurface drip drain field. 9th Annual On-Site Wastewater Treatment Research Council Conference, Waco Convention Center, February 12-14, 2001. Waco. Texas.
Lesikar, B. J. 2001. OSSF industry: past, present, and future. 9th Annual On-Site Wastewater Treatment Research Council Conference, Waco Convention Center, February 12-14, 2001. Waco. Texas.
Popular Press
Lesikar, B.J. 2001. Aerobic treatment units. Onsite Insight. National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association. 10(1):6-8.
Additional Presentations:
Graduate Students Supported:
Mr. Vance Weynand
Undergraduate Students Supported:
Mr. Josh Friddell
Mr. Jim Cody Welch