The course examines the fundamentals for measurement of environmental parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, stress, and strain. The use of electronic instruments and microcomputers is demonstrated through laboratory exercises. Several methods of control are investigated. It introduces students to soil and water conservation and management principles. The course covers irrigation and drainage of golf courses, athletic areas, parks and residential landscape.
Students develop system designs and participate in lab exercises.
My current research activity is looking at methods to improve the utilization of chemicals, water and energy in the cleaning systems used to wash milk from the pipelines on dairy farms. This involves the testing of various recycling and water reuse practices on a prototype cleaning system. I am also involved in the design and operation of several cooling chambers used in the study of frost effects on plant performance. S.O. Prasher, R.B. Bonnell and A. Madani. Trans. of American Society of Agricultural Engineers.