- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
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,...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
Recently I was asked to help identify prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) that was collected from an alfalfa field. Admittedly, the tough and wire-like specimen that was submitted to me at the end of autumn didn't much resemble the succulent seedlings that I have often observed emerging in tree and vine systems in early spring. Consequently, I dug out my 'Weeds of the West' and 'Weeds of California and Other Western States' books and double-checked with colleagues to ensure that my ID was accurate. This post is meant to build on that effort and describe the morphological traits that are characteristic of prostrate knotweed and how to differentiate the species from a similar-looking weed, spotted spurge (Euphorbia...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
It's that time of year again. Time to get small grains seeded, especially considering that there is the potential for a weather system to move through our area next week (Wednesday, November 21, 2018).
Water in our weather? Current forecasts suggest that rain could move through the area next week.
As we move into winter, it's also time to start thinking about the potential injury that can result due to environmental conditions. Last year, farm advisors in the...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
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...
