Inspection Services Blog

Author Archives: Emad Jahanzad

Now Accepting Proposals for 2021 Fertilizer Research and Education Program Grants

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is now accepting proposals for the 2021 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds research that advances fertilization practices and minimizes environmental impacts of fertilizing materials.  The 2021 Request for Proposals (RFP) includes several initiatives put forth by the department to help effectively manage nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture.   This year’s …


Research Update: Soil Nitrate Quick Tests to Improve Nitrogen Fertilization in Strawberry Ranches

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) grants. Project Title: Promoting the adoption of soil nitrate quick tests by Spanish-speaking operators on strawberry ranches in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties Project Leader: Gerry Spinelli, Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County Project …


Registration Now Open for 28TH Annual FREP/WPHA Nutrient Management Conference

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) announce registration is now open for their 28th annual nutrient management conference October 28-29. This year’s conference will be an online webinar. The conference brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn about and share the latest research …


Research Update: Benefits of CropManage for Optimum Irrigation and Nitrogen Management in Central Valley

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) Grant Program. Project Title: Adapting CropManage Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Decision Support Tool for Central Valley Crops Project Leaders: Michael Cahn (UCCE), Patrick Brown (UCD), Allan Fulton (UCCE) Project Status: Complete (3-year …


Research Update: Nitrogen Management Adoption Rates

Note: This is part of Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/CompetitiveGrantProgram.html).   The first update on this project can be found here.  (https://blogs.cdfa.ca.gov/FREP/index.php/research-update-understanding-grower-decisions/) Project Title: Understanding Influences on Grower Decision-Making and Adoption of Improved Nitrogen Management Practices  Project Leaders: Mark N. Lubell, Jessica M. Rudnick, Sat Darshan S. Khalsa, Patrick H. Brown (University of California, …


Research Update: Evaluation of Biochar

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Evaluation of Biochar for On-Farm Soil Management in California Project Leaders: Danielle Gelardi, Sanjai J. Parikh, William R. Horwath, Daniel Geissler, Toby O’Geen, Kate M. Scow (UC Davis), Milt McGiffen (UC Riverside), Michelle Leinfelder-Miles (UC …