In California agriculture, there has been a gradual shift from gravity-fed irrigation to pressurized systems including micro-irrigation. Micro-irrigation systems have been implemented in over 60% of irrigated acreage in California and support a more intensively managed production system. The use of pressurized irrigation systems has made significant advancements possible, including more precise delivery of chemicals […]
Author: Nicole.Crouch
Role of Mineralization in Farming
California growers have taken on an important role in their state’s broader efforts on climate change, including responding to regulatory requirements to improve their nitrogen (N) use efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. To meet these regulations, while maintaining crop yield and quality, growers must consider all potential N sources, including organic amendments and irrigation […]
Approaching Research Data and Trials
The agriculture industry is continuously advancing and investing in new technologies and products, making it important to take a thoughtful and informed approach to planning and decision making. The following is a list of considerations to reference the next time you are looking at research results: 1. Data: If you are considering a new product […]
Demonstrating New Approaches to Almond Nitrogen Management
Project Title: Demonstration of a combined new leaf sampling technique for nitrogen analysis and nitrogen applications approach in almonds Project Leaders: Patrick Brown, University of California, Davis; Blake Sanden, University of California Cooperative Extension, Kern County; Allan Fulton, University of California Cooperative Extension, Tehama County; David Doll, University of California Cooperative Extension, Merced County. Project […]
Research Update: Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizers
Project Title: Field Evaluation and Demonstration of Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizers in the Western United States Project Leaders: Charles Sanchez, University of Arizona, and Richard Smith, University of California Cooperative Extension Monterey County Project Status: Complete Overview: Controlled Release Nitrogen (CRN) has the potential to increase nitrogen use efficiency in desert vegetable production systems, by […]
Upcoming Events of Interest
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) will be tabling at a few upcoming events. Stop by to say ‘hello’ and pick up some of FREP’s educational materials on nutrient and irrigation management. Small Farms Conference What: Join us this February in Davis for the 31st annual California Small […]
Research Update: Nitrogen Concentrations in Harvested Material
Project Leaders: Charlotte Gallock, Kings River Conservation District, John Dickey, Southern San Joaquin Valley Management Practices Evaluation Program (MPEP), and Ken Cassman, Senior Agronomic and Soils Advisor Project Status: Year One Overview: The goal of this project is to assist Central Valley growers and coalitions with nutrient management planning and performance assessment by updating nitrogen […]
New Technical Advisory Subcommittee Members Appointed
We are pleased to welcome Tom Bottoms and Suduan Gao to the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s (FREP) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). TASC reviews and recommends research and education proposals for funding to the department’s Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. Tom Bottoms With a background in research, education, and now production, Dr. Tom Bottoms brings technical […]
2019 Request for Proposals
The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) funds and facilitates research to advance the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use of fertilizer in California. The FREP grant program uses a two-phase annual process. Phase I, the submission of concept proposals, is now open! Below is a list of frequently asked questions to address common concerns. […]
Central Coast Organic Amendment Workshop
On Saturday, November 17, 2018 the University of California Cooperative Extension presented a workshop alongside Monterey County Resource Conservation District and the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA). The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) attended this workshop along with approximately 50 other participants interested in learning about or using organic amendments in their production […]