…farming problems — specifically herbicide resistance, rising labor costs, and environmental concerns. The LaserWeeder uses AI-powered cameras and high-precision lasers to identify and eliminate weeds without chemicals. According to Mikesell,…
Using Bt Products During Bloom to Manage Caterpillar Pests
…they hatch and before they grow larger. Using predictive models, trapping data, and close field monitoring can help growers apply treatments at the most effective stage. With warming spring temperatures…
Bee Season in Full Swing, Highlighting Pollination Urgency for Almond Growers
…rain is welcome for reservoirs and soil profiles, it complicates pollination logistics. Bees don’t fly in heavy rain, cold temperatures, or high winds, and muddy orchards can delay hive placement….
Understanding Soil Tests: pH, CEC, and Base Saturation in Permanent Crops
…nutrients it cannot retain. Next, Rogers reviews base saturation levels to assess soil balance. For example, if calcium levels are already high, skipping a routine gypsum application may be warranted….
Stephanie Moreda-Arend Warns Point Reyes Dairy Families Are Being Forced Off Generational Land
…ecosystems go hand in hand. Quality soil, clean water, and strong pasture management are not optional — they are essential to producing high-quality milk and beef. “You can’t have good…
Using Tissue and Soil Data to Build Next Season’s Fertility Plan
…uptake challenges, or calcium imbalances, patterns often become clear when enough data is reviewed together. Rogers noted that understanding nutrient relationships is key. For example, high phosphorus levels in the…
Edward Ring Says Energy Abundance Could Transform California’s Water and Agriculture Future
…to import refined gasoline instead of processing California crude, Ring warned that fuel prices are likely to remain high, and regions like Kern County could suffer economically. He emphasized that…
Edward Ring: Dredging the Delta Could Unlock Millions of Acre-Feet for California
…could potentially free up one to two million acre-feet of additional water per year — water that currently flows out to sea during high-flow winter events. He emphasized that dredging would not…
How Sodium Interferes with Potassium Uptake in Tree Crops
…tests often reveal elevated sodium levels in orchards where potassium uptake is lagging. When sodium concentrations are high, they compete directly with potassium in the soil solution. “It’s going to…
How 19th-Century Technology Transformed Corn and Wheat Farming
…the foundation for the modern agricultural system, improving productivity and altering the daily realities of farm life across the United States. Corn Production in 1850: High Labor, Limited Technology In…
Soil and Foliar Strategies to Improve Micronutrient Availability
…noted that high phosphorus levels in the soil can significantly limit zinc uptake into the tree. While phosphorus may be essential, excessive levels can create antagonistic relationships that prevent zinc…
World Ag Expo Week Begins as John Duarte Talks Almond Innovation, Water, and California’s Future
…years. With almond prices under pressure and input costs still high, he said growers need varieties that produce more with fewer passes, fewer bees, and earlier harvest windows. The conversation…
Richard Kreps Says Pistachios, Water, and Common Sense Must Lead California Forward
…almonds, and walnuts are among the most nutrient-dense foods California produces, giving them leverage in global markets. While tariffs often dominate headlines, Kreps argued that when consumers worldwide want high-quality,…
Making Smart Fertility Adjustments Without Losing Sight of the Long Term
…of simply adding more fertilizer. In some cases, nutrient uptake issues may be caused by underlying soil conditions like high sodium or excess salts that interfere with availability. Identifying and…