The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) has teamed up with the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) and the Western Region Certified Crop Adviser Board (WRCCA) to host a nitrogen management update meeting on October 13, 2018, open to all agricultural professionals. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the 44th Annual CAPCA Conference and Agri-Expo at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Registration for the CAPCA Conference and Argi-Expo is not required to participate in the update meeting. The topics for the meeting will include:
Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers: How do they work and what are the benefits? – Eric Ellison, Koch Biological Solutions, LLC
Eric’s presentation will describe the modes of action, benefits and limitations of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENF), including stabilizers and slow release fertilizers. The primary objectives in using EENFs is to extend the availability of nitrogen in the rootzone and to control nitrogen loss.
Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen fertilization of coastal berry and vegetable crops – Andre Biscaro, UCCE Ventura County Irrigation Advisor
Andre’s presentation will review nitrogen uptake and other plant developmental data of several berry and vegetable crops, with the purpose of addressing improved water and nitrogen fertilizer management practices. Additionally, tools for optimizing yield and minimizing nitrate movement, such as soil moisture sensors, soil nitrate quick tests and CropManage will be discussed.
Fertilization practices and nitrogen management plans in nursery production – Loren Oki, UCCE Specialist Environmental Horticulture
Loren’s presentation will address the issues and research that are being conducted on nitrogen management plans for nursery production. Currently, plans are a challenge for nursery producers because the entire plant and the soil are purchased and shipped together. Loren’s research hopes to address some concerns associated with nitrogen management plans in nursery production.
Diagnostic tools for nitrogen management of desert vegetables – Charles Sanchez, University of Arizona, Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science
Charles’s presentation will cover vegetable production in the desert and will address concerns about nitrate leaching below the root zone. He will also discuss decades of research on evaluating the use of tissue tests and soil tests as diagnostic tools for implementing efficient nitrogen practices.
For more information and registration for the 2018 Nitrogen Management Update meeting, visit: https://capca.com/events/october-13-2018-nitrogen-managmenet-update/
*Credits available for this program include: 1.5 Soil & Water and 2.5 Nitrogen Management for CCAs, and 3.0 nitrogen management for self-certified growers.