Guzman Ag engineering- water lab

07/29/2026

IRREC is seeking a Water Resources and Irrigation Research Biological Scientist I to support innovative research focused on sustainable water management and agricultural production.

We're looking for candidates with:
✅ A bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, biology, water resources, environmental/agricultural science, or a related field
✅ Strong computer and analytical skills
✅ Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
✅ A valid driver's license

If you're passionate about science, research, and making a difference in Florida's agricultural and environmental future, we encourage you to apply!

📅 Application deadline: August 7

Apply today: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/540684/biological-scientist-i

06/03/2026

05/27/2026

We are excited to invite growers and community partners to an upcoming irrigation workshop at University of Florida/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Centerin Fort Pierce. Our Guzman Ag Engineering-water Lab research and extension group will share real examples of how soil moisture data can support better irrigation decisions, automation, and long‑term planning, along with available cost‑share opportunities for sensors. We look forward to connecting and learning together next week.

Efficient irrigation starts with good information. Join UF IFAS Extension Martin County, UF IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center and UF IFAS Extension St. Lucie County for a workshop on how to use soil moisture data to support irrigation decisions in vegetable and specialty crop systems.

You will learn how to:
* Soil moisture monitoring basics
* Making real-time irrigation decisions
* Examples from local growers using soil moisture data
* Turning field data into irrigation tools
* Cost-share opportunities for soil sensor adoption

This workshop includes presentations, discussion, and equipment demonstrations.

Free workshop. Lunch provided.

Location: Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce.

Registration via Eventbrite: https://IrrigationthatLearns.eventbrite.com

04/21/2026

The Smart Irrigation and Hydrology (SIAH) research and extension group at IRREC, led by Dr. Sandra Guzman, is representing UF/IFAS at the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute in Avon Park, Florida. The team is engaging directly with citrus producers to share practical, data-driven solutions for water and nutrient management, including demonstrations of the IrrigMonitor decision-support platform.

04/21/2026

Our lab participated in a field day at IRREC. We enjoyed working with students as they made their first soil moisture indicator and explored how agricultural and biological engineering connects water, technology, and on-farm decision making. These conversations about career pathways and future technologies at the farm gate are exactly why outreach matters!

03/11/2026

🌱🍊 Join us at the 2026 Florida Citrus Show — featuring specialty crops!
📅 March 12
📍 IRREC & USDA Buildings

We’re bringing a full day of learning, innovation, and hands‑on demonstrations to Fort Pierce. At IRREC, don’t miss our seminar lineup:
• Large-Scale Variety Trials Update, Dr. Zambon
• IrrigMonitor: What Research Shows and What Actually Works, Dr. Guzman
• Reducing Costs by Reducing Water, Dr. Guzman
• Novel Technologies: Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks, Dr. Conde

Then head to the parking lot near the USDA building for live demonstration tables with:
Dr. Mark Ritenour
Dr. Pasco Avery
Dr. Liliana Cano
Dr. Flavia Zambon
Dr. Sandra Guzman

Come connect with growers, researchers, and industry experts as we explore the latest in citrus and specialty crop production. See you there! 🍊

01/06/2026

This study tested deficit irrigation in lettuce across contrasting soils in FL and CA. Precision, soil-specific irrigation increased both water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), highlighting the importance of tailored water management for sustainable production. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05642-25

11/14/2025

Very happy to present how IrrigMonitor—a grower-inspired, AI-based crop water management tool—works in real life at the Millennium Block Field Day at University of Florida/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center! In this ongoing research collaboration with Dr. Flavia Zambon we use IrrigMonitor to integrate soil moisture sensors, weather data, and crop-specific insights to deliver rapid, personalized irrigation recommendations. Huge thanks to all the attendees for your thoughtful questions and feedback—your input helps our research teams better support Florida citrus! UF Agricultural and Biological Engineering STEPS STC