Isaya Kisekka Receives 2022 ASABE Netafim Award for Advancements in Microirrigation
Biological and Agricultural Engineering Associate Professor Isaya Kisekka received the 2022 Netafim Award for Advancements in Microirrigation from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
The ASABE major award recognizes excellence in microirrigation research, development, extension, education and/or industry. Microirrigation is a low-pressure, low-flow-rate type of irrigation that can reduce the likelihood of overwatering a landscape. Overwatering can waste water and lead to long-term environmental damage, so developing and implementing microirrigation systems can be extremely beneficial to growers.
The award promotes the development, design, operation and management of these systems, encourages the adoption of the method and honors those who have made significant contributions to the field. Kisekka will receive the award at the ASABE Annual International Meeting in Houston in July.
Kisekka’s group is known for its work in precision irrigation. His goal is to design irrigation systems that use resources as efficiently as possible while optimizing crop productivity and minimizing environmental impact. To do this, he works directly with growers to design, implement and assess precision irrigation systems across California.
This fall, Kisekka was awarded $10 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to find ways to sustain irrigated agriculture while improving groundwater quantity and quality in the Southwest under a changing climate. He will be leading a multi-institution team of scientists, engineers, educators and extension specialists to develop climate change adaptation management strategies that ensure the sustainability of groundwater and irrigated agriculture.
Kisekka received his B.S. in agricultural engineering at Makerere University in Uganda and his M.S. and Ph.D. in agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Florida. He started his faculty career at Kansas State University before joining UC Davis in 2017 with a dual appointment in the Departments of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Land, Air and Water Resources. He received the 2020 Excellence in Education Award from the Irrigation Association.
ASABE supports agricultural, food and biological systems engineers around the world. One of the largest organizations in the profession, ASABE boasts 7500 members in almost 100 countries.