While soil health is currently a big buzzword in CA agriculture, UC Davis researchers want to dig into how managing CA soils to build soil health indicators impacts a grower's crop management decisions, productivity, and economic bottom line.

To further investigate these issues, UC Davis soil scientists are looking for processing tomato growers interested in participating in a soil health survey in summer 2019. The research will provide insight into the relationship between soil health indicators (which include soil chemical, biological, and structural/physical factors) and crop management, including how certain aspects of soil health impact fertility management and tomato yields.

To do this,...

Part of my role as a University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor is extending knowledge to my clientele and the public at large. I try to do this via this blog, through the use of social media (@agronomyweedsci on Twitter), and via popular press articles (for example, see this post about smartphone apps for weed identification: https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/smartphone-apps-to-help-you-id-weeds/).

Another tool that I will be employing is a twice yearly (Fall and Spring) newsletter that will address issues of concern to growers in the San Joaquin Valley. Please enjoy this first...