Center for Turf, Irrigation and Landscape Technology (CTILT)

The Institute of Irrigation Research and Evaluation was created at Cal Poly Pomona in 1986 to provide a more formal mechanism for the agricultural engineering faculty to work with the irrigation industry on the testing and evaluation of irrigation equipment and systems.

Since then, it has expanded to include expertise in turf and landscaping and was renamed the Center for Turf, Irrigation, and Landscape Technology (CTILT). CTILT provides a focal point for research, and community outreach in the areas of turfgrass, ornamental plant materials, landscape irrigation technology. landscape operations, sport turf and golf course management, and the preservation of natural resources.

Thank you so much for visiting CTILT Donation page.

Mission

• To provide solutions that address the scientific, environmental, and human resource challenges confronting the golf, sports turf, landscaping, and parks and recreation sectors in California.  

Vision

• A leader in cost-effective practical research solutions to industry needs and a critical source of qualified graduates and trained professionals.

Values

• The advancement of human knowledge and capabilities in our professional field.
• The preservation and enhancement of California’s natural resources.
• Embracing the communities we serve with openness and friendship.
• Celebrating our state’s unique cultural heritage and diversity.

Faculty and Staff

Priti Saxena is the director of CTILT, leads the Organic Plant Breeding Program, and is an assistant professor in Cal Poly Pomona's Department of Plant Science. She earned her doctorate from Rutgers University in turfgrass breeding and her master's degree in genetics and plant breeding and a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Pantnagar University, India. Professor Saxena’s expertise is in turfgrass science and management, turfgrass breeding, and genetic improvement of organic tomatoes. Her research encompasses soil-water conservation in turfgrasses, organic tomato breeding, genetic improvement of plants, and the application of modern technologies for estimating soil water content and plant health.

Robert Green joined Cal Poly Pomona in 2005 as a lecturer and subsequently as faculty in the graduate program.  His 40-year career as an agronomy specialist has included stints at Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and 20 years at UC Riverside.  Robert has published more than 250 technical papers and received more than $2.9 million in grants and gifts to support his research at UCR.  He has been involved in a variety of grant-funded projects at CPP, primarily in water conservation and irrigation technology. Robert’s areas of expertise include turfgrass science and management, irrigation and water conservation science, and the impact of turf management on groundwater quality.

Alan Moss is a lecturer and industry professional in the landscape irrigation industry. He earned his bachelor's degree in plant science and his master's degree in agriculture – irrigation science option from Cal Poly Pomona. Alan teaches irrigation science, AutoCAD, and plant science technology courses at Cal Poly Pomona. He provides support for research and daily operations and maintenance at CTILT and mentors student workers on industry best management practices.

Research Projects

• Soil Moisture Sensor Irrigation Scheduling in Bermudagrass Fairways (Funded by USGA)
• Estimation of Bermuda Grass Quality Using Remote Sensing Data with the Irrigation Level Based on Soil Moisture Sensor Data (Funded by the California State University Agricultural Research Institute )

Student Activities

• Learn about the best irrigation and turf management practices.
• Join the Cal Poly Pomona teams for the annual Turf Bowl and National Collegiate Landscaping Competition . Cal Poly Pomona students made history in 2020 by becoming the first West Coast university to win the Turf Bowl and the first winning team to have female students. In addition, a second Cal Poly Pomona team finished in seventh place in the competition, which had teams from 30 other universities, including Penn State, Auburn, and Purdue.
• Participate in research trials for companies and other institutions

Internships and Employment

In addition to finding internships and work at the center, our students are able to find jobs in the golf course, sports, and landscaping industry. Our students have worked at Dodger Stadium , Angels Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Super Bowl , and Disneyland.