Derrel Martin, biological systems engineering professor, has received the 2012 Heermann Sprinkler Irrigation Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers in recognition of his outstanding leadership and research contributions in the development of concepts, programs and technologies related to integrated management of center-pivot irrigation systems in the United States and worldwide.
Martin is recognized internationally as an expert in irrigation water requirements, interaction of ground and surface water and in methods and technologies for sprinkler irrigation.
“He has made a tremendous impact on water conservation in irrigated agriculture in the Great Plains and is highly regarded for his research and development of management guidelines and irrigation design criteria, especially that involving center pivot irrigation,” ASABE said in announcing the award.
In 1989 Martin chaired a faculty team that developed the water science major in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and served as coordinator of that program for six years.