…Initiative applied and received a grant to help fund their biochar research. Biochar is a soil additive that researchers believe could help California soil in many ways. Potential Biochar Benefits…
Change in Policy on Fumigant Puts Farmers in Bind
…has ended a policy that allows growers in certain areas—also known as townships—to acquire necessary quantities of the soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene—sold under the trade name Telone—above an annual allocation cap….
Drought Leads to Early Removal of Almonds
…the orchard, deep rip it, put soil amendments on, fix up the irrigation system and get it all prepped and marked, and then next winter plant baby trees,” Davis said….
USDA Grant for Pollinator Health, CA Left Out
…management may provide a benefit to producers by reducing erosion, increasing the health of their soil, inhibiting invasive species, providing quality forage and habitat for honey bees and other pollinators,…
Two UC Farm Advisors issue Article on Alfalfa’s Resilience to Drought
…out, there is a trade off. They say there will be little yield. Still, research has shown that the stand will persist on most soil types and yield will recover…
Addressing Cover Crops and Soil Health
Cover crops as a significant tool for soil conservation and health? The NRCS Chief and others say “Yes”. Rod Bain reports. Rod Bain reports on soil health…
Federal Drought Aid Coming to California; Long Term Solution Sought
…soil, he toured rich farmland now laying fallow due to lack of water. The President spoke about the farm tour. “Joe has got an incredible story. The son of a…
Aquaponics Curriculum Teaches New Fish Farming Techniques to Ag Students
…Called ‘aquaponics,’ the system combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil). “This is a new field of agriculture, and I’m very excited to be studying something that…
USDA Designates California Ag Counties for Drought Disaster Assistance
…location of all FSA offices in any state. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has conservation-related disaster assistance to protect soil, water and habitat ( http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/national/home/). Small, non-farming businesses in…
Importance of Soil Health
How healthy is your soil? Soil health is important for the productivity of your crop. Randall Weiseman has more on the topic. Click to Open or Download Audio Report…
The ASA Plant and Soil Conference
The 43th annual California ASA Plant and Soil Conference will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 4 & 5, 2014 at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center in Fresno,…
Hundreds Gather for Water Rally
…disaster assistance to protect soil, water and habitat (www.nrcs.usda.gov). Small, non-farming businesses in USDA disaster-designated counties may be eligible for disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) (www.sba.gov/disaster)….
USDA Designates California Ag Counties for Drought Disaster Assistance
…You can visit www.usda.gov/ca to get the location of all FSA offices in any state. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has conservation-related disaster assistance to protect soil, water and…
Year’s First National Water Forecast
…into streams as temperatures warm into spring and summer. NRCS scientists analyze the snowfall, air temperature, soil moisture and other measurements taken from remote sites to develop the water supply…