On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Allie Cushnyr, senior agronomist for Holloway, and Abe Isaak, agronomist with AgroLiquid, discussed soil health, postharvest nutrition and preparing California crops for an uncertain winter. The program also highlighted USDA’s newly announced $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program.
The Harvest Fuel Relief program will provide one-time payments to eligible American farmers facing increased input costs and temporary market disruptions. According to the announcement discussed on the show, payments will be calculated using factors including planted acreage, production costs and commodity prices.
Importantly for California agriculture, the program is expected to include eligible specialty crop producers, including fruit and vegetable growers.
The conversation then turned to soil health as Cushnyr discussed Holloway’s work with gypsum and other soil amendments. She explained how gypsum can help address soil sodium problems and improve water penetration, particularly when applied ahead of anticipated rainfall.
Cushnyr also previewed Holloway’s inaugural Soils in Action Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at the company’s Lost Hills operation.
The event will feature eight speakers discussing topics including nitrogen utilization, precision agriculture and drone imagery. Growers and agricultural professionals can earn continuing education credits while learning about emerging soil management practices.
Later, Isaak emphasized the importance of preparing permanent crops for the next growing season before winter arrives.
“That is the beginning of the next season,” Isaak said of postharvest nutrition.
He encouraged growers to monitor nutrient levels through soil and tissue testing, particularly if substantial winter rainfall creates the potential for nutrient movement below the root zone.
Isaak also discussed the challenges that insufficient winter chill can create for fruit and nut trees, explaining how inadequate dormancy may affect nutrient reserves and crop development the following spring.
Both agronomists stressed that effective soil and nutrient management requires planning, especially as growers contend with unpredictable weather and rising production expenses.
Hear the full conversations with Allie Cushnyr and Abe Isaak in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.
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