The Irrigation Training and Research Center of CalPoly State University provides direct technical assistance in irrigation district modernization to over 90 irrigation districts in the western U.S. Specializes in SCADA, modernization plans, canal and pump automation, and water balances. Focus is on a pragmatic approach, with successful field applications. In addition, the center works with field irrigation (drip, sprinkler, surface, fertigation, salinity, and drainage). Training-based on the extensive field experiences of ITRC, occupies about 30% of the annual budget. Research is about 20%, and technical assistance is 50%. The center is 100% self-supporting, financially. It houses offices, an excellent outdoor faciity for teaching field irrigation techniques, and a unique Water Delivery Facility to teach about all forms of canal modernization, pumping, SCADA, etc. One speciality of the center is automation of canals, including development of a complete modernization plan, modeling of the canal system to tune control algorithms, specifications of the hardware and software, and providing quality control during the field installation, so that the end result is an effective, working system. |
