- 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
- 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...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
Complying with SB88 - Water Measurement and Reporting Shortcourse
Senate Bill 88 requires that all water right holders who divert more than 10 acre-feet a year measure and report the water they divert. For diversions greater than 100 acre-feet, SB 88 requires installation and certification of measurement methods be approved by an engineer, contractor, or other professional. AB 589 provides a self-certification option (AB 589 (Bigelow) - Water diversion: monitoring and reporting training). AB 589 allows a water diverter who has completed a course on measurement devices and methods administered by the University of California Cooperative Extension and passed a proficiency test to be considered a “Qualified...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
The United States Geological Survey (https://www.usgs.gov/) defines drought as a 'period of drier than normal conditions that results in water-related problems.' Short-term effects of drought include: declines in surface water flows, which can impact water supplies for agricultural, urban, and environmental uses. Long term effects of drought can include aquifer overdrafts and land subsidence. California has experienced drought events in the past (most recently: 1976-1977, 1986-1992, 2007-2009, and 2011-2017) and is expected to experience many more in the future. While a changing climate and variable weather patterns are contributing to the California's water issues, a lack of new water projects, a...