Topics in Subtropics

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Topics in Subtropics Blog
You can subscribe to this  blog with multiple entries per week reflecting what's happening with subtropical crops and upcoming educational events.  Just click on the "Subscribe" button just to the right of this paragraph.  There's also our seasonal quarterly Topics in Subtropics newsletter found at our Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Riverside, San Diego, Tulare and Kern Counties Cooperative Extension websites.
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Wind Machine frost

Frost and Rain?

January 9, 2019
By Ben A Faber
It is that time of year and we should be alert to threat of freezing weather and damage to trees. Last winter was one of the warmest on record, but there was still a sneak cold blast around December 25 that caused some problems in some areas.
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hairy fleabane 1

Back to Basics. What's THAT Weed?

January 9, 2019
Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie The first step in developing an effective weed management program is being able to properly identify the weed species that are infesting a field. But why? Why is weed identification so important? Simply stated, because not all weeds are created equal.
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feel test

Soil Moisture/Nitrogen Workshop

January 7, 2019
By Ben A Faber
Irrigation and Nutrient Management Field Day Monday January 14, 2019 555 Las Varas Canyon Road Goleta 7:30 am - 11:30 pm, lunch is provided The event is FREE but please register - https://www.eventbrite.
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DSCN0053

Myths of Mulch

January 7, 2019
By Ben A Faber
Wood chip mulches will decrease soil nitrogen and spread pathogens A Misunderstanding that is addressed below by: Chalker-Scott, L. , Extension Specialist And Associate Professor, Washington State University Downer, A.J.
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well pump

Pumping Survey. You can help.

January 3, 2019
By Ben A Faber
Groundwater pumping may significantly affect growers' energy costs. As part of a California Energy Commission-funded research project, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory wants to hear directly from growersvia a short surveyabout their experiences with the energy needed to pump groundwater.
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