NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MICROIRRIGATION SYSTEMS

This paper reviews recent work related to the use of computer and microelectronic technologies in irrigation system management. The work focuses on research and extension done that is being used or introduced into production agriculture by the Florida Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Florida. This includes: 1) automation using expert systems, real-time expert systems and conventional control techniques, 2) the use of simulation, 3) the use of information delivery technologies and management tools based on CD-ROM and interactive multimedia, and 4) experiences using low-cost soil-moisture sensors for irrigation control.