Clemson to host center pivot meetings

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson, South Carolina, will host two meetings in February tackling center pivot irrigation system education and demonstrations.

The meetings will bring specialists and researchers together with growers to discuss center pivots, as well as demonstrate the Clemson Center Pivot Irrigation Test Program, a testing service where specialists conduct health check-ups for the irrigation rigs.

“The objective of this program is to provide a health check of center pivot irrigation systems,” says Becky Davis, Clemson Extension water resources agent. “Among other things, these tests measure irrigation uniformity.”

The first meeting will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, South Carolina. The second meeting is scheduled for Feb. 22 at the Pee Dee Rec in Florence, South Carolina.

Kendall Kirk, PhD, water resource team member and Clemson Extension precision agriculture engineer, will speak about fertilizer injection and how to use Clemson’s online web apps to help simplify center pivot fertigation. Michael Plumblee, PhD, assistant professor of agronomy, will break down irrigation scheduling and soil moisture sensors.

United States Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service representatives will talk about financial and technical assistance available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Other speakers include Jose Payero, PhD, assistant professor and irrigation specialist, who will talk about variable frequency drives and pump performance. At the Edisto meeting, Deke Wiggins will dive into agricultural energy efficiency incentives.

The meetings will also cover topics like electrical safety and electric rate schedules related to center pivot irrigation.

Trade shows with irrigation industry sponsors will be displayed during both workshops.

Visit Clemson’s website for more info and to preregister for the meetings.