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Robert G. Evans (Bob)

Supervisory Agricultural Engineer

Robert Evans. Robert "Bob" G. Evans

ASRU Research Leader and Agricultural Engineer

Phone: 406.433.9496

Fax: 406.433.5038

  


• Education• Current Research• Research Experience• Downloads• Related Web Pages• Publications•

  

Additional Pages:  Research Projects,* Publications*

*Taken from the Agricultural Research Information System (ARIS) database.

 

 


 

EDUCATION

B.S. Agricultural Engineering

1970

Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO

M.S. Civil Engineering

1971

Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO

Ph.D. Agricultural Engineering

1981

Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO


 

Dr. Evans is an internationally recognized authority in water management research. He has made major contributions to the areas of crop specific water management, plant environmental modifications with irrigation, arid-region irrigation and nutrient management, and site-specific irrigation. These accomplishments have been documented in over 60 refereed journal articles, 2 theses, 12 refereed proceedings, 11 book chapters, 11 refereed published reports, more than 70 proceedings and professional articles, well over 100 invited presentations, more than 25 popular press articles, and many extension publications. His stature in the scientific community is evident by his chairing several professional committees, editorships, journal editorial boards, authoring book chapters, numerous national and international speaking invitations related to environmental modification with irrigation and crop specific water management, and frequent contacts from other researchers, industry, magazine writers and regulatory/action agencies for information. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Irrigation Science, a highly respected international journal, is a frequent reviewer for many diverse, upper-tier professional journals.


 

CURRENT RESEARCH

In January 2001, Dr. Evans assumed the position of Supervisory Agricultural Engineer, Research Leader and Facilities Coordinator of the Agricultural Systems Research Unit. Bob’s research directly addresses three broad, overlapping areas: 1) water conservation and improved on-farm water management; 2) environmental management and quality (with a recent emphasis on precision agriculture technologies); and, 3) multiple uses of irrigation systems and management alternatives to reduce chemical use.


 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Prior to joining the USDA-ARS, Bob served as the Colorado state extension irrigation specialist located in Ft. Collins, CO in 1976 where he worked on statewide water management issues including on farm water management, scientific irrigation scheduling, groundwater pollution and agricultural salinity problems. In October 1980, he accepted a position at the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) at Washington State University-Prosser as a research agricultural engineer. He was a tenured professor in the Biological Systems Engineering Department at Washington State University with a 100% research appointment although about 25% of his time was in extension and teaching activities. The focus of his research was on: 1) soil/water conservation and improved water quality while enhancing the economic viability of agricultural enterprises; 2) crop-specific water management of apples, sweet cherries, wine grapes, hops, potatoes and other crops; and, 3) modification of the aerial environment of plants with irrigation. The internationally recognized research was primarily focused on long-term, multi-disciplinary team research on irrigated farming systems. It emphasized an integrated systems approach to solving present and future problems facing irrigated agriculture using long-term, in-depth interdisciplinary team research efforts from 3 to 10 years in duration. Dr. Evans has been at the forefront of knowledge in research in site-specific agriculture, a set of tools that production agriculture can profitably use to meet the environmental and economic challenges of the next century.


 

INFORMATION TO DOWNLOAD

 

Art of Protecting Grapevines from Low Temp ( PDF; 122 KB)

Center Pivot Irrigation ( PDF; 468 KB)

Energy Balance of Apples Under Evaporative Cooling (PDF; 468 KB)

Evaluating Cokriging for Improving Soil Nutrient Sampling Efficiency ( PDF; 468 KB)

Frost Protection in Orchards and Vineyards ( PDF; 169 KB)

Irrigation Technologies Comparisons ( PDF; 116 KB)

Microirrigation ( PDF; 84 KB)

Overtree Evaporative Cooling System Design & Operation for Apples in PNW
( PDF; 212 KB)

Application of Polyacrylamides for Soil Erosion Reduction Through Sprinklers
( PDF; 47 KB)

Strip Till Study on Sugar Beets ( PDF; 371 KB)

 

RELATED WEB PAGES

Agricultural Systems Research Unit Projects

Please note: The most recent publications by this scientist may not yet be listed here. Please check the ARIS " Publications" page for possible new titles.

 

 

ARS: NEWS & EVENTS (This link leads to Dr. Evan's query within ARS's news and events) 
   
 

REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLE (last 10 years) - SENIOR AUTHOR

  • Evans, R.G. and A.S. Alshami, 2009. Pulse Jet Orchard Heater System Development, Part I: Design, Construction and Optimization. Transactions of ASABE. 52(2):331-343.

  • Evans, R.G. and E.J. Sadler, 2008. Methods and Technologies to Improve Efficiency of Water Use. Water Resources Research (in press, accepted 11/26/07) August

  • Evans, R.G., 2004. Energy Balance of Apples under Evaporative Cooling. Transactions of ASAE. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 47(4):1029-1037.

  • Evans, R.G., 2000. The Art of Protecting Vineyards from Cold Temperature Injury. Am. J. Enology and Viticulture. 51(5):60-72.

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REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLE (last 10 years) - COAUTHOR

  • Jabro, J.D., Evans, R.G., Kim, Y., Iversen, W.M. 2009. Estimating in situ soil-water retention and field water capacity measurements in two contrasting soil textures. Irrigation Science. 27:223-229.
  • Chávez, J.L., F.J. Pierce, TV. Elliott and R.G. Evans, 2009. A Remote Irrigation Monitoring and Control System (RIMCS) for Continuous Move Systems. Part A: Description and Development. Precision Agriculture. (Accepted 1/26/09)
  • Chávez, J.L. F.J. Pierce, T.V. Elliott, R.G. Evans, Y. Kim and W.M. Iversen3. 2009. A Remote Irrigation Monitoring and Control System (RIMCS) for Continuous Move Systems. Part B: Field Testing and Results. Precision Agriculture. (Accepted 1/26/09)
  • Kim, Y. and R.G. Evans, 2009. Software design for wireless sensor-based site-specific irrigation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (accepted 01/21/09).
  • Kim, Y., R.G. Evans and W.M. Iversen, W. M. 2009. Evaluation of closed-loop site-specific irrigation with wireless sensor network. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. ASCE. 135(1):25-31.
  • Sainju, U.M., Lenssen, A.W., Caesar, T., Evans, R.G. 2009. Dryland Crop Yields and Soil Organic Matter as Influenced by Long-Term Tillage and Cropping Sequence. Agronomy Journal. 101:243-251.
  • Sainju, U.M., Caesar, T., Lenssen, A.W., Evans, R.G., Kolberg, R.L. 2009. Tillage and cropping sequence impacts on nitrogen cycling in dryland farming in eastern Montana, USA. Soil & Tillage Research. 103:332-341.
  • Jabro, J.D., Evans, R.G., Stevens, W.B., Iversen, W.M. 2008. Repeatability of soil apparent electrical conductivity measured by a coulter sensor. Soil Science. 173(1):35-45.
  • Jabro, J.D., Kim, Y., Evans, R.G., Iversen, W.M., Stevens, W.B. 2008. Passive capillary sampler for measuring soil water drainage and flux in the vadose zone: Design, performance and enhancement. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 24(4):439-446.
  • Kim, Y., Evans, R. G., Iversen, W. M. 2008. Remote sensing and control of irrigation system using a distributed wireless sensor network. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. 57(7):1379-1387 (July)
  • Lartey, R.T., Lenssen, A.W., Evans, R.G., Ghoshroy, S. 2007. Comparative structural study of leaf spot disease of safflower and sugar beet by cercospora beticola. Plant Pathology Journal. 6(1):37-43.
  • Bjorneberg, D.L., C.J. Prestwich and R.G. Evans. 2007. Evaluating the surface irrigation soil loss (SISL) model. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 23(4):485-491. (Note: this paper received a 2008 ASABE "Superior" Paper Award)
  • Sainju, U.M., Caesar, T., Lenssen, A.W., Evans, R.G., Kolberg, R.L. 2007. Long-term tillage frequency and cropping intensity effects on dryland residue and soil carbon fractions. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 71(6):1730-1739.
  • Lartey, R.T., A.W. Lenssen, R.G. Evans, S. Ghoshroy. 2007. Comparative structural study of leaf spot disease of safflower and sugar beet by Cercospora beticola. Plant Pathol. J. 6:37-43.
  • Jabro, J.D., W.B. Stevens, and R.G. Evans. 2006. Spatial Relationships among Soil Physical Properties in Grass-Alfalfa Hay. Soil Science 171:719-727.
  • Jabro, J.D., and Evans, R.G. 2006. Discrepancies between Analytical Solutions of Two Borehole Permeameters for Estimating Field-Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 22(4): 549-554. ( PDF; 122 KB)
  • Jabro, J.D., R.G. Evans, Y. Kim, W.B. Stevens, and W.M. Iversen. 2006. Characterization of Spatial Variability of Soil Electrical Conductivity and Cone Index using Coulter and Penetrometer-type Sensors. Soil Science: 171 (8):627-637. August.
  • Jabro, J.D., W.B. Stevens, and R.G. Evans. 2006. Spatial Relationships among Soil Physical Properties in Grass-Alfalfa Hay. Soil Science 171:719-727.
  • Fereres, E., Evans, R.G. 2005. Irrigation of fruit trees and vines: an introduction. Irrigation Science. 24:55-57.
  • Sadler, E.J., R.G. Evans, K.C. Stone and C.R. Camp, 2005. Opportunities for Conservation with Precision Irrigation. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. Nov-Dec, Special Issue. 60(6):371-379.
  • Alshami, A.S. and R.G. Evans, 2009. Pulse Jet Orchard Heater System Development, Part II: System Scaling and Application. Transactions of ASABE. 52(2):345-355.
  • Han, S., S.M. Schneider, R.G. Evans, and J.R. Davenport, 2004. Block Estimating of Spatial Yield Data and Its Uncertainty. Precision Agriculture. Kluwer Academic Publishers. 5(1):73-84.
  • Han, S., Schneider, S.M., Evans, R.G., and Davenport, J.R. 2003. Block Estimating of Spatial Yield Data and Its Uncertainty. Precision Agriculture. 5(1):73-84. Kluwer Academic Publishers. Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
  • Han, S., Schneider, M., and Evans, R.G. 2003. Evaluating Cokriging for Improving Soil Nutrient Sampling Efficiency. Transactions of ASAE. 46(3):845-849.
  • Redulla, C.A., J.R. Davenport, R.G. Evans, M.J. Hattendorf, A.K. Alva and R.A. Boydston. 2002. Relating potato yield and quality to variability in soil characteristics. American Journal of Potato Research. 79:317-323.
  • Davenport, J.R., C.A. Redulla, M.J. Hattendorf, R.G. Evans and R.A. Boydston. 2002. Potato Yield Monitoring on Commercial Fields. HortTechnology. April-June 12(2):289-296.
  • Ebel, R.C., E.L. Proebsting and R.G. Evans, 2001. Apple tree and fruit responses to early termination of irrigation in a semi-arid environment. HortScience 36:1197-1201.
  • Spayd, S.E., Stevens, R.G., Wample, R.L., Evans, R.G., Edwards, C.G., and Webster, D. 2000. Impact of nitrogen fertilization on vine performance and juice and wine composition of 'Riesling' grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) in Washington State. In: J. V. Possingham and G. H. Neilsen (Eds.) XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 2: Mineral Nutrition and Grape and Wine Quality. Acta Horticulturae No. 512, pp. 65-75.
  • Sadler, E.J., Evans, R.G., Buchleiter, G.W., King, B.A., and Camp, C.R. 2000. Site-Specific Irrigation - Management and Control. In: Proceedings 4th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium (refereed). Edited by R.G. Evans, B.L. Benham and T.P. Trooien. November 14-16, 2000. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. (Publication 701P0004). pp. 304-315.
  • Buchleiter, G.W., Camp, C., Evans, R.G., and King, B.A. 2000. Technologies for Variable Water Application with Sprinklers In: Proceedings 4th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium (refereed). Edited by R.G. Evans, B.L. Benham and T.P. Trooien. November 14-16, 2000. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. (Publication 701P0004). pp.316-321.
  • Felsot, A.S., Evans, R.G., and Tallman, L.C. 2000. Soil Distribution and Plant Uptake of Imidicloprid under Drip and Surface Irrigation. In: Proceedings 4th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium (refereed). Edited by R.G. Evans, B.L. Benham and T.P. Trooien. November 14-16, 2000. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. (Publication 701P0004). pp. 416-427.
  • Camp, C.R., Lamm, F., Evans, R. G., and Phene, C.J. 2000. Subsurface Drip Irrigation - Past, Present and Future. In: Proceedings 4th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium (refereed). Edited by R.G. Evans, B.L. Benham and T.P. Trooien. November 14-16, 2000. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. (Publication 701P0004). pp. 363-372.

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BOOK CHAPTERS (last 10 years) - Refereed

  • Van der Gulik, T.W. and R.G. Evans. 2009. Chemigation. Chapter 26. . L. Stetson, editor. Irrigation. 6th Edition. Irrigation Association. Falls Church, VA. (In press).

  • Evans, R.G. and T.W. van der Gulik. 2009. Irrigation for Microclimate Control. Chapter 27. L. Stetson, editor. Irrigation. 6th Edition. Irrigation Association. Falls Church, VA. (In press)

  • Van der Gulik, T.W., R.G. Evans and D.E. Eisenhauer. 2007. Chemigation. Chapter 19. Design and Operation of Irrigation Systems. 2nd edition. ASABE Special Monograph. Pp. 725-753.

  • Sadler, E.J., C.R. Camp and R.G. Evans, 2007. New and Future Technology. Chapter 16. In: Irrigation of Agricultural Crops. R. Lascano, and R. Sojka, Editors. ASA Monograph. No. 30, 2nd edition. American Society of Agronomy. Pp 609-626.

  • Hoffman, G.J. and R.G. Evans, 2007. Introduction. Chapter 1. Design and Operation of Irrigation Systems. 2nd edition. ASABE Special Monograph. Pp. 1-32.

  • Evans, R.G., I.P. Wu and AG. Smystrala. 2007. Design of Microirrigation Systems. Chapter 17. Design and Operation of Irrigation Systems. 2nd edition. ASABE Special Monograph. Pp. 633-683.

  • Evans, R.G. and P.M. Waller, 2007. Application of Chemical Materials. Chapter 8. Microirrigation for Crop Production. F.R. Lamm, J.E. Ayers, F.S. Nakayama (eds). Elsevier. Pp. 285-327.

  • Evans, R.G., 2006. Considerations for Protecting Grapevines from Low Temperature Injury. In: 2006 Best Practices Guide for Grapes for British Columbia Growers. Published by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, and the British Columbia Wine Institute. Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Pp. 4-45 to 4-63.

  • Camp, C.R., E. J. Sadler, and R. G. Evans, 2006. Precision Water Management - Current Realities, Possibilities and Trends (Chapter 5.) In: Precision Farming - A Global Perspective . Ancha Srinivasan, Editor. The Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580. pp 153-183.

  • Evans, R. G., Irrigation System Components, 2003. In: Encyclopedia of Agricultural, Food and Biological Engineering. Dennis R. Heldman, Editor. Marcel Dekker, Inc. 270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Pp. 540-542.

  • Felsot, A. S. R. G. Evans, and J. R. Ruppert. 2002. Field studies of imidacloprid distribution following application to soil through a drip irrigation system. (Chapter 13.) In: Terrestrial Field Dissipation Studies: Purpose, Design and Interpretation, E. L. Arthur, V. E. Clay and A. Barefoot, Editors. (refereed chapter) ACS Symposium Series No. 842, ISBN: 0-8412-3769-7. Am. Chem. Society, Washington, DC. Pp. 189-205.

Popular Press(last 10 years)

  • Kim Y., R. G. Evans, and W. M. Iversen. 2007. Wireless site-specific irrigation – the future of intelligent agriculture. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Resource 14(7): 2-3. October. Stevens, W.B. R.G. Evans and W.M. Iversen, 2009. Strip Tillage in Sugarbeets: Does It Require Modified Fertilizer Management? The Sugarbeet Grower, Fargo, ND. 48(1):6, 8-9.

  • Stevens, W.B., R.G. Evans and W. Iversen, 2007. Two Irrigation Methods on Strip-tilled and Conventionally Tilled Sugarbeets and Barley. The Sugarbeet Grower. 46(2):4-6, February

  • Evans, R., W. Iversen and W.B. Stevens, 2006. Strip-Till Research on Beets. The Sugarbeet Grower, Fargo, ND. 45(2):16-19, February.

  • Evans, R.G., 2006. Frost Control in the Pacific Northwest. New Zealand Kiwifruit Journal. Tauranga, New Zealand. July/August. Issue No. 176. pp 43-47.

  • Evans, R.G. and P. M. Waller, 2003. Application of Chemical Materials. Microirrigation Journal.

  • Sadler, E.J., R.G. Evans, G.W. Buchleiter, B.A. King and C.R. Camp, 2001. Site-Specific, Variable-Rate Precision Irrigation: More Overhead Boom Improvements. Irrigation Journal. November/December 51(6):20-24.

  • Wample, R.L., R.G. Evans and B.G. Leib, 2000. Grapevine Irrigation ManagementBConsiderations for Water Usage. Wine Business Monthly. February. 7(1):50-51.

  • Sadler, J., R. Evans, G. Buchleiter, B. King and C. Camp, 2000. Venturing into Precision Agriculture. Irrigation Journal. May/June 50(3):15-17.

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Last Modified: 05/27/2009
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