By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Newest College Chair Putting Irrigation Research Into Motion

Aug 16, 2016 | 11:37 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Lethbridge College welcomed its first fully-funded applied research chair on Tuesday.

Dr. Willemijn Appels, originally from the Netherlands, joined the Mueller Irrigation Science program earlier this year. Before moving to Lethbridge, she was working with the University of Saskatchewan on detailed hydrological processes at reclamation sites in northern Alberta oil sands projects.

Only months into her tenure, Dr. Appels has already undertaken a number of projects that include monitoring soil dynamics in canola fields, researching different irrigation methods and how technology can make water management more sophisticated.

“You’re not just doing desk studies. We’re working on things that could be applied and help move the irrigated agriculture sector of this province forward,” she noted.

Students from the Agriculture Sciences, Geomatics Engineering Technology and Computer Information Technology programs will join Dr. Appels in her research. She also earned a grant from the College’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation Fund to allow her to conduct further studies.

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This chair position was made possible with a $3.1-million gift from Lloyd and Dorothy Mueller back in 2014, which was supplemented by another $1.9-million from Lethbridge College. The Muellers wished to support post-secondary agricultural training when they entered an agreement with the College to create the Mueller Irrigation Science program.

Nearly two-thirds of irrigated land across Canada is located within Alberta, and Lethbridge College officials say Dr. Appels’ focus on water use and environmental stewardship will widely optimize irrigation practices for all industry partners.