Inspection Services Blog

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, …


Certifying Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plans

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board requires growers to prepare Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plans (INMP) for land enrolled in the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. INMPs are designed to promote awareness of irrigation and nitrogen management practices among growers and reduce the likelihood of nitrate, from fertilizer, entering the groundwater and degrading water quality. For land in an …


Nitrogen Management Training for Certified Crop Advisers

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), in partnership with the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) are offering the last in-person Nitrogen Management Training for Certified Crop Advisers (CCA). CCAs who complete this training are eligible to certify Irrigation and Nitrogen …


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 …


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 …


New Technical Advisory Subcommittee Members Appointed

We are pleased to welcome Lisa Hunt and Ben Faber to the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). We are also happy to announce that Steve Petrie has been reappointed to TASC. TASC is a group of scientific and technical experts who review and recommend projects for FREP funding. Steve Petrie Dr. Petrie’s professional experience related …