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 […]
Tag: California Fertilizer Research
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, […]
Vacancies on FREP’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing three vacancies on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s (FREP) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). The TASC reviews and recommends research and education proposals for funding and implementation to the department’s Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. Applicants must demonstrate technical, applied, and scientific expertise in the fields of […]
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 […]
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. […]
Recap: The 2018 FREP WPHA Annual Conference
The twenty-sixth annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) Conference took place October 23-24, 2018 in Seaside, CA. Speakers from industry, academia, and agricultural consulting provided cutting edge information on nutrient and irrigation management in California agriculture. Below you will find a highlight reel featuring key talks at this […]
Research Update: Implementing Practices to Reduce Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Agricultural Soils
Project Title: N2O emissions under different on-farm irrigation and nutrient management BMPs that reduce groundwater nitrate loading and applied water Project Leader: Arlene Haffa, School of Natural Sciences, California State University, Monterey Bay Location: Central Coast Focus Crops: Strawberry, Lettuce, Broccoli Overview: The primary goal of this project is to develop a better understanding of […]
2018 FREP Grant Cycle, Phase II
In this year’s competitive grant process, twelve project leaders were invited to submit full proposals. The proposals, listed below, are now under review by experts in the field and the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). Proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, applicability to California agriculture, and the potential for impact […]
Vacancies on FREP’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing three vacancies on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s (FREP) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). TASC reviews and recommends research and education proposals for funding and implementation to the department’s Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. Funded through a mill assessment on the sale of fertilizing materials, FREP […]