The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces registration is now open for the 32nd Annual Nutrient Management Conference, hosted by CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH). This year’s conference will be held October 29-30 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA, and includes a pre-conference tour of McFadden Woodchip Bioreactor in Salinas 2-4 p.m. October 28.
The Nutrient Management Conference annually brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn about and share the latest research and innovative management practices related to fertilizing materials and irrigation. This year’s conference includes presentations on irrigation and nutrient management in annual and perennial crops, fertilizer uses, managed aquifer recharge, soil sampling and laboratory techniques, biostimulants, nutrient management in regenerative agriculture and two panel discussions: nitrogen removal coefficients and nutrient and irrigation management in organic systems. In addition, there will be two interactive workshops on adjusting irrigation pH and approaches for collaborating with small and underserved growers.
Early conference registration (through October 15) is $225 for general admission and $130 for currently enrolled students. Late registration fees (after October 15) are $250 for general admission and $140 for students. Continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers and Self-Certified Growers will be available for the tour and conference.
Upon registration, conference attendees can sign-up for the free farm tour on October 28 (limited space available).
A Poster Session will be held on the evening of October 29 for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and industry members to present their ongoing research, outreach or demonstration projects in California related to irrigation and nutrient management. FREP does not accept abstracts/posters related to proprietary product development, testing or promotions. To present a poster at the conference, submit your abstract(s) to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov by October 15, 2024. One presenter per accepted abstract will receive free conference registration.
To view the agenda, call for posters and register online, visit the conference website: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/FREPConference. For more information, please contact FREP staff at frep@cdfa.ca.gov.
Since 1990, FREP has funded more than 250 research projects focusing on nutrient and irrigation management in California cropping systems. For more information, visit the FREP project database of completed and ongoing projects at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/Research.html.