Ongoing research

Tensiometers are useful for monitoring soil moisture in vegetable and row crops so that plants are not over-watered nor become water stressed. As the name implies, tensiometers measure soil moisture (water) tension, otherwise referred to as matric water potential.

Sun higher in sky Spring blossoms; colorful hues Bugs, pollen, allergies...

Looking a little dry out there? Dry conditions mean it's good to be cautious about nitrate toxicity in forage crops, particularly small grain hay, grasses, and anything weedy! Nitrates can harm or even kill animals. Growers should test forages and stay vigilant.

So here you are, a honey bee seeking nectar from an unopened citrus blossom. And then your tongue (proboscis) becomes all sticky with pollen, nectar and other particles. What to do: you, the worker bee, take a brief break and clean your tongue. Problem solved.

Teena and Katrina step you through the process in the most descriptive manner you can imagine. This show would be perfect to have in your portable player to have on hand while you are ready to follow along and get set for the upcoming planting season.

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Buttercup oxalis, that is otherwise known as Bermuda buttercup, sour grass, or oxalis pes-caprae. This South African invader has charm. Its lemon-yellow flowers nodding over emerald leaves makes a lush foreground to the gray-blues of sea and sloughs.

University leaders, faculty and students from across the U.S. and around the world are working together to tackle a complex set of challenges that prevent millions of people from getting enough of the right foods.

Citrus Industry The Australian finger lime, a citrus relative, could be a new specialty crop for Florida citrus growers. Traditionally, finger limes have remained rare in the United States, grown few and far between.

Lessons from our first Prescribed Fire on Working Landscapes Workshop As I wrote in a blog post in February (Working with Fire), at one time, fire and fire agencies were part of the ranching culture of the foothill communities where I grew up.