July 20, 2021
Article Wins Prestigious ASABE Award
An article written by a team of researchers from nine land-grant universities, including Kansas State University, has been named a 2021 Superior Paper by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
The paper, titled “Innovative Extension Methods in the U.S. to Promote Irrigation Water Management,” was the result of a partnership with members of the Natural Resources and Environment Systems Community, ASABE members and leaders from several multi-state projects. The article discusses how traditional extension tools (such as field tours, lecture presentations or fact sheets) used by extension programs to promote irrigation water management technology can fall short when introducing new irrigation technologies. To address the challenges of appealing to a wide client base while remaining relevant and innovative, programs have been developed to connect growers with irrigation water management in new ways.
“This article is a nice compilation and review of innovative extension activities across the country, from states with very dry to very wet climate conditions. It emphasizes that water management is very similar, trying to fill the gap between where you need it, when you need it, and how to do it. I am excited that Kansas has contributed a model activity through the water technology farms,” said K-State faculty member Jonathan Aguilar, one of the article’s authors.
The Superior Paper award is given to recognize the top 5% of articles published within the ASABE community. The award was presented on July 15 at the ASABE Annual International Meeting.