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Agriculture has a long history in the Delta, but Delta growers face unique challenges that bridge the agricultural and environmental sciences. Understanding soil and water resources in the Delta is critical to understanding Delta agriculture.
Alfalfa is an important crop in California and the Delta. California ranks first in alfalfa production nationwide, and in the Delta, alfalfa is one of the top three crops by acreage, occupying approximately 10 percent of the land area.
Most of California's rice is grown in the Sacramento Valley, but production also occurs in the Delta region. Certain challenges, like cooler in-season conditions, and opportunities, like sequestering carbon in muck soils, are unique to Delta rice production.
Corn is one of the leading crops in the Delta by acreage. While most of the corn grown in California is for silage, most of the corn grown in the Delta is for grain.
Small grains are important crops in the Delta because they provide a winter rotation and generally have salinity tolerance. Variety selection, nitrogen fertility, and pest management are important considerations for small grains production.
California farmers grow a variety of dry beans, including baby and large limas, blackeyes, kidneys, and garbanzos, among others. Variety development, pest management, irrigation, and fertility are important production considerations.
