Rehydrating soils after a loss in deep moisture
It is that time of year where the heat turns up and crops begin pumping water out at an ever-increasing rate. Some, too many, decide that watering unto 12-18 inches will suffice for keeping the plant healthy and delivering enough water for maximum plant growth. Others are so possessive of their deep moisture that they […]
Cracking Soils Indicate Localized Drought Stress
Why are your soils cracking? Commonly heavy clay soils develop cracks in the dry season as the soil profile dries out. The cracking is simply a matter of expansion and contraction. The clay portions of soils are made up of very fine particles of silicate minerals. These silicate minerals are in the form of thin […]
Leaching and its effect on valuable nutrients in the soil
As growers, PCAs, or irrigation specialists, we all know the word “leaching” and hear it more often than not. Whether it’s because of the sustainable groundwater issues we are facing, nitrate issues, or the need to keep important nutrients and fertilizers in our soil, the word “leaching” plays a major role in all of our […]
May Irrigation Stress In Almonds
Mitigating kernel stress during kernel expansion is one of the top priorities for every almond farmer in the state, but as we venture into May this priority can shift to crop protection and field sanitation. Balancing tractor work to apply pesticides with irrigations is more challenging during the month of May due to the increase […]
Early Vine Management in California Wine Grapes
Early Vine Management in California Wine Grapes California’s wine grape production is as diverse as the soils and varieties that we grow on with no two ranches alike. Regardless if you are growing a vintage or if you are in the bulk market, early vine management follows the same criterium of minimizing crop stress and […]
SGMA – What can a grower do?
SGMA – What can a grower do? By Don A. Wright Preparing for implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is going to take education and involvement. Not every area of the state is on the brink of collapse. Not every area of the state will have to fallow half its land. But for the areas […]
