From Soil to Science

From Soil to Science is the blog of UC Cooperative Extension across Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Through stories, research updates, educational resources, and community partnerships, the blog highlights how University of California research and expertise are being translated into practical, science-based solutions for local communities. Topics include sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, wildfire resilience, food systems, youth development, community health, and other issues shaping the North Bay.

UC Cooperative Extension advisors, educators, staff, and volunteers live and work in the communities they serve, collaborating with farmers, land managers, agencies, community organizations, and residents to address local and regional priorities. From Soil to Science shares the people, partnerships, and programs connecting local issues with the research and innovation of the University of California—and helping build thriving communities, resilient ecosystems, and a sustainable future across the North Bay.

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IPM cards

Need to identify a weed or pest in your garden, orchard or vineyard?

March 15, 2018
By Lucia G Varela
Want to know what bug is making holes in the leaves of you shrub or eating your fruit? Or what is the pesky weed you cannot get rid off? The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources publications have four sets of Pest Identification cards for you.
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Manure

CDFA to Fund Alternative Manure Management Practices in 2018

March 7, 2018
By Randi A Black
Through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) was awarded $99 million for the 2018 Dairy Digester Research and Development (DDRDP) and Alternative Manure Management Programs (AMMP) in 2018.
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Local farmers tour Sebastopol’s Community Market during a UCCE Tour to Meet Buyers in December

North Bay Farmers Explore New Local Sales Opportunities

March 7, 2018
Small- to mid-scale produce farmers know that direct marketing--that is to say, making sales directly to consumer at farmers markets, farm stands, and similar channels--cuts out middlemen and helps farmers retain the greatest portion of their sales.
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Thank you for participating in our citizen science project

Citizen Science project: Backyard Chicken Egg Study

February 28, 2018
GOT EGGS? The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (UCD SVM) is providing free egg contaminant testing for backyard chicken owners in the state of California. Results will be shared individually with each owner, and cumulative results will be summarized and made available to the general public.
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A JOURNEY THROUGH SEASONS by Luiza Vizoli

How much will it rain?

February 28, 2018
Hard to say, but we have a page that can help answer that question so you can prepare. You will find nifty maps (my favorite is NOAA's wind map!), gardening tips and additional weather and climate resources. Check out our Weather & Climate page.
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