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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Brown Swiss on compost bedding pack. She is clean and comfortable.

Compost Bedded Pack Barn Design and Management Considerations

December 19, 2019
By Randi A Black
Is Compost Bedding Pack right for your dairy? Compost bedded pack (CBP) barns are an increasingly popular open barn design for housing dairy cattle, particularly with funding opportunities available through the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Alternative Manure Management Program.
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Adult SLF with wings spread. Photo by Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Help keep the spotted lanternfly out!

December 10, 2019
By Cindy Kron
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a new invasive pest that has recently arrived in the United States. This planthopper has a wide host range of 70+ plant species including grapevines, apple, cherries, stone fruits, ornamentals, etc with its preferred host being the tree of heaven.
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Dessicated Cabernet Sauvignon cluster

Should you drop unsold fruit or leave it on the vines?

October 11, 2019
By Akif Eskalen, Rhonda J Smith
For the first time many growers are facing the dilemma of what to do with fruit that will not be sold. Although wine inventories have been slowly building over the past few years, 2019 is the first year in which a number of growers are feeling the effects of excess supply due to the large 2018 crop.
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