- Author: Chris M. Webb
UC ANR’s current issue of California Agriculture has a wide assortment of peer-reviewed research articles. The varied nature of this publication provides a glimpse into the wide array of relevant research conducted by UC scientists in an effort to improve the lives of Californians.
To view the entire publication click here. To read a specific article in the April – June 2011 edition, click on a link below.
- Unique engagement tools shape nitrogen assessment
- Scientists discover redwoods’ resiliency in Fritz’s Wonder Plot
- Agritourism operators embrace social media for marketing
- California agritourism operations and their economic potential are growing
- South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement will lower export barriers for California products
- Plants in constructed wetlands help to treat agricultural processing wastewater
- Rice field drainage affects nitrogen dynamics and management
- “Smart” sprayer technology provides environmental and economic benefits in California orchards
- Regulated deficit irrigation reduces water use of almonds without affecting yield
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Soil testing is an important component of a plant nutrient management program for farmers, home gardeners, and agricultural service personnel. Results from these tests can be used to improve nutrient management for crop production and environmental protection.
With assistance from UC Davis’ Dirk Holstege, Ventura County Cooperative Extension Advisors Jim Downer and Ben Faber along with Staff Research Assistant Maren Mochizuki conducted research to asses the accuracy of commercially available soil tests kits.
Soil analysis from five commercially available soil test kits were compared for accuracy against soil analysis completed at the UC Davis Analytical Laboratory. Much thought and care went into writing the findings of this study. In addition to analyzing the results of the kits, suggestions for improving accuracy and the role the kits can play in nutrient management programs are discussed.
Results and discussion from this study can be viewed on this page of our website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
There are 17 elements essential for plant growth. These elements come from the air, water and soil. All must be present for a healthy plant.
An excess, deficiency or even an imbalance of these elements may lead to individual symptoms which are characteristic to most plants. The appearance of a plant can be used to help identify problems. The problems can be corrected with appropriate fertilizers, amendments and manures and also by soil and water management.
To learn more about these essential elements and how to interpret distress signs plants may provide, please see this section of our website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Well structured soil and proper irrigation are vital components to growing healthy vegetable plants. UCCE’s Soil and Water Management of Vegetable Gardens brochure provides detailed information in a compact format.
Learn how to improve soil quality, when to fertilize vegetable plants, and how to efficiently irrigate your garden.
This free, downloadable resource can be found by clicking here for English and here for Spanish.
Due to a family emergency the March 26th Saturday at the Farm event has been cancelled. “Beefriending Your Local Bees” presented by Anna Howell, MS has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Organic production can require additional preparation and planning. UC’s Soil Fertility Management for Organic Crops downloadable publication provides reliable and useful information for soil management in organic fields.
Written with support of the UC Small Farm Program (make link) and the UC Vegetable Research and Information Center, this publication includes the following topics:
- Role of organic matter and humus
- How to determine nutrient needs
- Nutrient sources
- Characteristics of organic fertilizers
Tables and links to additional resources are included.
Related information can be found on this page of the Ventura County Cooperative Extension Website.