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Our Goal

The main objective of the Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative (NII) is to improve nitrogen and irrigation management in California by closing the information access and training gap. UCANR advisors and specialists will work with Staff Research Associates (SRAs) to deliver educational content, training, and consultations to growers and their consultants in the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast. The NII is a collaborative program of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of California, Davis.

Our Approach

We are working directly with growers, farm workers and consultants to improve nitrogen use and irrigation efficiencies. UCANR County Advisors and specialty-hired employees are working together with growers to deliver science-based, practical information for on-farm nitrogen and water management.

Shining the Spotlight!

UC Delivers

Rising summer temperatures and extreme events – including a recent swing from a 5-year drought to one of the wettest winters on record – are indicative of a warmer, more variable climate future in California. The changing climate has already begun to stress our social, economic, and ecological systems. It is threatening crops, increasing catastrophic wildfires, harming fish and wildlife, and limiting water supplies while also increasing flood risk and ultimately impacting the health and quality of life for Californians. Public awareness of climate change impacts is growing, but there is significant uncertainty around how climate change will affect natural resources and communities. The University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) representation across the state and engagement with its diverse communities uniquely positions us to understand and communicate the consequences of climate change and identify strategies to mitigate negative outcomes for local economies, the environment, and public health.

Read about: UC Cooperative Extension takes leading role in climate change research and extension | View Other Stories

Our Activities

We consider four main activities to achieve our goals:

Educational Resources

Continue to develop printed materials, videos, blogs, infographics to share with growers who can then relate and apply such practices to their specific operation.

On-Farm Trials

Coordinate on-farm demonstrations to promote locally appropriate best irrigation and nitrogen management practices to conserve resources and improve irrigation and nitrogen use efficiency.

Training Events

Conduct outreach activities (e.g., webinars, workshops, field days, trainings, one-on-one field visits) to increase knowledge and skills of enhanced nitrogen and irrigation practices and emphasize how practices increase on-farm efficiency.

Grower Consultations

UCANR academics and SRAs will conduct individualized on-farm grower consultations to make recommendations and assist with implementation of recommended practices.