- Author: Chris M. Webb
Improving water quality is an important step towards building and maintaining sustainable natural ecosystems. We can all help reach water quality improvement goals by making small changes in our behavior. Small changes multiplied by many people make a big difference!
What is urban runoff? Urban runoff is the water that washes away all the chemicals we use, which then flows into storm drains and creeks and then out to the ocean. These chemicals include: home pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning products, oil and many other products. Urban runoff is a significant contributor to poor water quality.
This rainy season is a good time to think about our contributions to urban runoff and to make some small changes. Here are some good places to start:
- look into ways to reduce home pesticide use
- learn about composting to improve soil quality and possibly reduce the need for fertilizers
- find safer alternatives for cleaning products.
- keep mechanical equipment in good repair.
Our office has great resources to help further improve water quality.
A collection of "green sheets" designed to help people make small changes to improve water quality
Management Practices to Portect Water Quality: A Manual for Greenhouses and Nurseries
Orchard Water Quality Management
Please contact our office if you would like further information.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Scientists in our office are always busy! They work to solve problems and extend knowledge. Always reaching to find better solutions, research is a large part of their work. Once a research project is completed, additional work is required to get the information out.
Two publications have recently published research from Ventura County UCCE Advisors and staff.
The American Society of Horticulture Science has published “Carbon dioxide enrichment may increase yield of field-grown red raspberry under high tunnels.”
California Agriculture has published “Nurseries surveyed in Southern California adopt best practices for water quality.”
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- Author: Chris M. Webb
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) now has online continuing education classes designed to help applicators meet the required hours of education needed to keep licenses and certificates valid.
The courses were developed by the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and are approved for statewide use. Classes currently offered are: Respiratory Protection Regulation CCR 6739 (a-s) and Employer Responsibilities for Fieldworkers: Hazard Communication.
Login at http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/agce to sign up or to check for new class offerings.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The 2009 Winter issue of Farm Water Quality News is now available. This newsletter is geared towards agriculture industry personnel; however, the issue of water quality is important for all of us. The research update is of particular interest as the research was conducted locally.
Topics in the new issue include:
- Regulatory Update
- Industry Update
- Technical Tip
- Research Update
Past issues of Farm Water Quality News and other Ventura County Cooperative Extension Newsletters can be found on our website.
Water sampling allows irrigation water to be evaluated for undesirable constituents that can affect crop growth.
Fertilizer mixing operations should be located on an imperable surface far away from water sources.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
On February 11, 2010, local growers will be able to recycle pesticide containers at no cost. The program will begin at 10 am. Please call to make an appointment as participation is by appointment only.
Drop off is at Fruit Growers Supply located at 980 West Telegraph Road in Santa Paula.
Please review website for container requirements. Then, call 805.933.2926 ext 244 to make an appointment.