Apr 10, 2009
Workshop Addresses Water Conservation and TreatmentSource: University of Florida

Are you interested in water conservation, managing diseases and algae in water, or using recycled or reclaimed water in your nursery or field crops?

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and The Water Education Alliance for Horticulture are hosting a regional workshop focusing on onsite recycling and treatment of irrigation water in Wimauma (Tampa area), Fla. on April 29.

It’s still not too late to take advantage of free registration and lunch for attendees who register by April 22. Participants also can benefit from up to 3.5 pesticide CEUs.

The goal is to encourage and enable growers to recycle irrigation water and/or adopt best management practices (BMPs) for water conservation, which will reduce water demand. Greenhouse, nursery, foliage, strawberry and vegetable growers will learn about diagnosing and treating diseases, algae, and salt problems in recycled and recycled/reclaimed water. Leading industry and university experts from across the country will give presentations on the timely issue. BMPs to conserve irrigation water will also be discussed.

The workshop is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on April 29 at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. An optional tour of the Riverview Flower Farm earlier that morning, highlighting new research and practical aspects of water conservation, is also on the program.

The registration deadline is April 22. There is a $15 per person fee for late registrations.