EBID Staff Participate in Irrigation Water Management Technician Training

Elephant Butte Irrigation District staff recently participated in the Irrigation Water Management Technician Training- a three-day course designed to build practical, science-based irrigation management skills. Hosted by New Mexico State University’s Water Resources Research Institute and the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, the course was led by Dr. Salim Bawazir and Dr. Eusebio Ingol-Blanco. It is part of the USDA-supported initiative, “Resilient Agriculture–Water–Community Systems: Transcending Water Scarcity with Community-Based and Networked Western Water Management Solutions.”

A Strong Foundation in Irrigation Science

The training began with a full day focused on the fundamentals of irrigation. Participants explored soil–water relationships, root-zone dynamics, infiltration processes, and evapotranspiration principles—key concepts for understanding how water moves through the soil and is used by crops. The day also included hands-on instruction with FAO’s CROPWAT software, a widely used tool for estimating crop water requirements and developing efficient irrigation schedules.

Field Demonstrations and Hands-On Practice

Day two moved participants into the field at NMSU’s Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center, where they gained practical experience in climate-station siting, installation, and maintenance. The group also conducted soil-moisture measurements using TDR sensors and gravimetric methods, performed infiltration tests, and completed lab-based exercises in soil mechanics and hydraulics. Activities included pressure-transducer calibration and water-level monitoring—skills essential for real-world irrigation system assessment.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

The final day addressed soil-moisture estimation techniques, data interpretation, and pressure-transducer analysis. These sessions emphasized the importance of sound data in guiding irrigation decisions, especially in regions where water scarcity requires careful, informed management.

Supporting Water-Smart Agriculture

As water demands continue to rise across the West, training like this helps prepare producers, technicians, and water managers with the tools and knowledge needed for resilient, water-efficient agriculture. By combining scientific expertise with hands-on practice, the program strengthens the capacity of those working directly with irrigation systems and supports long-term water sustainability in our region.

As we continue to adapt to the evolving needs of agriculture and water management in southern New Mexico, opportunities like this training at New Mexico State University are invaluable. By investing in education, collaboration, and innovation, EBID remains committed to serving our community with knowledge, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions. We’re proud to partner with institutions like NMSU to strengthen our team and ensure we’re prepared to meet the challenges of today—and tomorrow.