Mobile Irrigation Labs

Microirrigation system on a citrus groveThe Collier Soil and Water Conservation District administers two Mobile Irrigation Labs:

Urban Mobile Irrigation Lab (Collier County) (The Urban Mobile Irrigation Lab is no longer funded.)

Agricultural Mobile Irrigation Lab (Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, Sarasota and Desoto Counties)

The Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs) conduct extensive irrigation system evaluations, measuring flow rates and pressures, testing water quality, and analyzing water management strategies.  The information gathered is used to make recommendations for improvements to the system for water conservation and for the health of the plants.  Physical improvements that can increase the efficiency of the irrigation system are detailed, as well as scheduling and water management recommendations.

Follow-up evaluations are conducted after improvements are made to measure actual water savings and to improve MIL procedures.  Both potential and actual water savings number in the millions of gallons per year, and the MIL is considered to be an effective conservation program by numerous government agencies.

The MILs also participate in outreach and education in coordination with the Rookery Bay Natural Estuarine Research Reserve, the University of Florida Best Management Practices program, the University of Florida Extension Service, and the Master Gardener program.

MIL Video (link to YouTube)