Tag Archives: California Fertilizer Research

Updated Fertigation Book

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 and nutrients to crops. Chemigation …


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, in vegetable crop production systems. …


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 agronomy, soil science, plant physiology, …


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 or practice, do not be …


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 and applicable research expertise to …


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. If you have any additional …