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Author Archives: Natalie Jacuzzi
Save the Date!
Save the date! October 27-28, 2021, is when the annual FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference will be hosted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) in collaboration with Western Plant Health (WPH). The conference agenda focuses on the latest FREP-funded research results and practical applications of fertilizing materials for agricultural production in the …
FREP Awards $2 Million for Nutrient Management Projects
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) announces more than $2 million in grant funds are being awarded to agricultural organizations and universities as a result of the 2020 cycle of the competitive FREP Grant Program. These grants will fund 11 research projects to improve the efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilization in California …
Research Update: N management case studies: Utilizing N-rich reference zones in California small grain crops
Story from UC Small Grains Blog 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. As the fall planting season begins, we’d like to share recently developed case studies detailing nitrogen (N) management actions and crop productivity outcomes in several small grain …
Research Update: Field assessments and workshops support irrigation and nutrient management training
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: Training on Crop Management that Integrates Climate, Soil and Irrigation System Data to Minimize Nutrient Loss and Optimize Irrigation Efficiency Project Leaders: Trina Walley, East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District (ESRCD), …
Research Update: Assessing Nitrogen Content to Improve Crop Management
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). Read the first update on this project. Project Title: Assessment of Harvested and Sequestered Nitrogen Content to Improve Nitrogen Management in Crops Project Leaders: Charlotte Gallock, Dr. John Dickey and Dr. Ken Cassman Project Status: Year 3 Overview: This project …
CDFA Awards $1.5 Million for Nutrient Management Projects through FREP Grant Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) announces more than $1.5 million in grant funds are awarded to agricultural organizations and universities as a result of the FREP Grant Program 2019 grant cycle. These grants will fund seven research projects to improve the efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilization in California agriculture, reduce the …
Developing Nutrient Budget in Citrus Groves
Research Update: Developing Nutrient Budget and Early Spring Nutrient Prediction Model for Nutrient Management in Citrus Project leaders: Patrick Brown and Douglas Amaral Project location: Fresno, Tulare and Ventura Counties Year of study: 2 of 3 Overview: Leaf analysis with critical value* interpretation is a common practice for determining nutrient applications in citrus. However, this practice can lead to over-application …
Research Update: Examining the Capabilities of Biochar to Adsorb Ammonium
Project Title: Soil Biochar Amendment to Improve Nitrogen and Water Management Project Leader: Suduan Gao, Research Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS Project Location: San Joaquin Valley Year of Study: Two of three Overview: The goal of this study is to determine the overall benefits and best practices associated with the use of biochar, as a soil amendment, in vegetable crop production systems. …
Central Coast Irrigation and Nutrient Management Farm Tour Highlights
On the day before this year’s annual conference, FREP hosted a field tour to emphasize challenges and innovations in Central Coast agricultural irrigation and nutrient management. Over 70 people attended the tour of two ranches, where growers presented their personal nutrient and irrigation management experiences. The tour began with a bus ride from Seaside to Salinas, where University of California …
Research Update: Nitrogen management of organic leafy green vegetables on the Central Coast
Project Title: “Evaluation and demonstration of nitrogen management of organic vegetable production in leafy green vegetables on the Central Coast” Project Leaders: Richard Smith, Michael Cahn, and Tim Hartz Location: California Central Coast Overview: This project aims to evaluate the proportion of crop nitrogen (N) that is provided by soil organic matter mineralization in organic leafy vegetable production under coastal climate conditions. This research …