- Author: Brooke Jacobs
University of California/Nickels Trust
Nickels Soil Lab
Research and/or demonstrations project proposals for in-kind supported field work (no per acre fee) for the 2014 growing season in a commercial tree crop orchard setting less than an hour north of Davis are now requested by the Leslie J. Nickels Trust and the Nickels Soils Lab (NSL). Proposals are due by November 7, 2013.
The NSL is located southwest of Arbuckle, California, just off I-5. Consisting of 200 acres
split between two blocks, NSL has open land and existing orchards available for field projects. Usable orchards available for research include most commercial almond varieties ranging in age from 2 years to 24 years grafted onto a wide range of rootstocks. Drip, sub-surface drip and micro-sprinkler irrigated orchards are available. Walnut plantings consist of mature ‘Chandler’ and ‘Howard’ on both paradox hybrid or Northern California Black rootstocks and 7th leaf ‘Chandler’, ‘Tulare’, ‘Forde’ and ‘Sexton’ on Paradox. The olive planting is currently reserved. New plantings will also be considered upon request.
The research facility provides labor, equipment, automated web accessed weather station, storage buildings and all normal and most experimental horticultural inputs with minimal charge to approved projects. Abbreviated summary project reports are required annually. New project proposals are due on November 7th, 2013.
For projects requiring an outreach component, the annual NSL field day is an established program, held in early to mid-May, features presentations summarizing selected projects and draws an audience of 150-250 growers, pest control advisors and ag industry reps.
For lab history, instructions and downloadable project proposal forms please visit: http://cecolusa.ucdavis.edu
Contact Franz Niederholzer at (530) 458-0570 (office), (530) 218-2359 (cell), or fjniederholzer@ucanr.edu for more information.
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