Landscape Management, June 2017

profit centers IrrIgatIon Water ManageMent Rethinking drip I n April Californias governor officially declared the states nearly fiveyear long drought to be over While that news might be considered bad news for water conservation efforts Rick Foster principal product manager for drip irrigation for Rain Bird in Azusa Calif isnt worried Even in places where it starts to rain again our industry continues to value drip irrigation not only because of water conservation but because of its other benefits too says Foster Water scarcity stimulated a need and introduced drip to people who hadnt considered it before but once they get a taste of it they see more of its advantages Drip irrigation technology continues to evolve as contractors embrace the benefits that drip systems can provide Many manufacturers have introduced drip emitters with built in check valves to prevent photo Dig Corp JUne 2017 LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET 53 water from draining out of the lower emitters after the system valve closes This feature is currently available in both drip line and individual point source drip emitters Manufacturers and distributors are also producing new one piece pressure regulating filters retrofit connection kits and adapters and a greater variety of drip irrigation zone control kits and flow sensors On the controller side the industry is seeing an increase in Wi Fi and Bluetooth capable systems that work in conjunction with smartphones and the internet Stuart Spaulding training and communications manager for Dig Corp in Vista Calif says most advancements in drip irrigation products aim to increase irrigation efficiency resulting in less water waste Other benef its include lower system installation costs He adds that the factors driving these new product trends include the rising cost of water and global competition as well as increasing consumer education and awareness consumer demand and governmental regulations Manufacturers are always trying to make products that are more convenient to use and install which saves consumers and contractors both time and money Spaulding says The smart contractors are adapting and educating their employees and clients about the benefits of these new technologies and products But its not just about water conservation when it comes to drip irrigation Foster says contractors are discovering drips additional uses and benefits as more of them become familiar with the technology I would say five years ago those of us in drip were really focused on water conservation but thats old news now its obvious says Foster The good news is there are other benefits that as drip irrigation technology evolves pros embrace the benefits beyond saving water BY eMIlY Schappacher IrrIgatIon ScholarShIp The Irrigation Foundation awarded 1000 to 2500 scholarships to 16 students from technical schools nationwide The scholarship recipients are enrolled in associate bachelor or graduate programs geared towards the study of and careers in irrigation Recipients came from schools such as Kansas State University Clemson University and more SuctIon pump upgrade Underhill International released MudGuard a slip on filter for Gulp UltraMax Plus suction pumps Underhill says it minimizes clogging and helps dirty water clean outs from valve boxes sprinkler leaks or other water soaked turf and landscape areas The Gulp Ultra Max Plus was introduced last year in three sizes newsfeed Dual benefits though heralded as a water conservation tactic drip irrigation has unexpected benefits and uses experts say Stuart Spaulding rick Foster