Vaddevolu offers innovative irrigation engineering expertise
New faculty member promotes advanced technologies to address water-use efficiency and water challenges
Uday Vaddevolu, Ph.D., has joined the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering as an assistant professor of irrigation engineering.
His position is 45% research, 45% teaching and 10% service.
Building upon irrigation research experience
Vaddevolu’s research expertise lies in developing and promoting best management practices for efficient water and nutrient use and enhancing crop water-use efficiency through innovation irrigation strategies.
Additionally, his research includes advancing variable rate irrigation and data-driven irrigation management, integrating mulching techniques with irrigation, and developing irrigation decision-support systems to assist growers in real-time decision-making for precise and efficient irrigation and nutrient management.
“I am looking forward to using my expertise to address the water challenges and enhance the agricultural practices in Texas,” he said. “This position at this university is very valuable within the scientific movement to address water availability and its role in ensuring food security here and around the world, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.”
Developing an advanced-level irrigation class
The first undergraduate course Vaddevolu will teach in the fall will be Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, which will focus on irrigation basics. He is also working to develop an advanced-level irrigation class that focuses on hands-on experience for students, he said.
“The students will be designing and evaluating irrigation systems and sensors,” Vaddevolu said. “Looking forward, they will gain a profound understanding of agricultural water sources in Texas and across the nation, management practices and the critical need for precision irrigation.
“Along with this, they will develop the practical skills necessary to apply this knowledge and address real-world challenges in water management.”
Vaddevolu added that the course will include guest lecturers from the industry, providing students with valuable insights into the current needs and trends in agricultural water management. This will also allow students to establish professional connections that could support their future careers.
Educational background
Vaddevolu earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University in Guntur, India; a master’s in soil and water engineering from Kerala Agricultural University in Thrissur, India; and a doctorate in agricultural and biosystems engineering from North Dakota State University.
Before joining Texas A&M University, Vaddevolu was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Florida and an agronomy assistant at the Oakes Irrigation Research site at North Dakota State University. “I am a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, an organization that has profoundly influenced my career,” he said. “I look forward to establishing meaningful collaborations to drive sustainable smart agriculture.”
