FIGHT FOR WATER FILM CONTINUES SCREENING
Terry Stark |
At a CAPCA Ed Seminar in Exeter, California, with more than 75 Pest Control Advisors (PCAs)/Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), the audience heard the latest on the efficient use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
Cory Schurman |
Mineralizationis the process of transforming N from organic forms to inorganic N in soil. This occurs in a number of steps. Organic matter decomposes by breaking down complex organic molecules to smaller and more soluble inorganic ones such as ammonium and nitrate. Schurman noted that most soil microbes carry out mineralization. “The ideal conditions are soils with oxygen content greater than five percent, temperatures between 85 and 100 F, soil pH near 7.0, and moisture content near the soil’s holding capacity,” said Schurman.
Dan Munk |
Dan Munk, UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Fresno County, also spoke at the half-day event. Munk said that he has been the cotton farm advisor during his work in Fresno, but since cotton acreage is down, he has picked up the responsibility of irrigation and water management.
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen |
“You have all heard about nutrient management plans that will affect many growers throughout the San Joaquin Valley Water Quality Coalition. Water quality is what is driving all of this,” Mikkelsen said. The East San Joaquin area of Modesto, Turlock, Merced, and Madera, have those regulations in place and will begin January 2014. Growers in the coalition area must manage their nitrogen, with budgets. The regional water board is targeting the southern San Joaquin Valley next.
–>
Bob Ehn |
Thompson Seedless on the Tray |
Acreage of bearing age is 200,000, which means a record high yield is expected. The 2013 California raisin-type grape crop is shaping up to be the largest crop since 2008.
Photo taken Sunday, August 18 Near San Joaquin. |
Bolls are opening up in Fresno County. The photo of the open boll was taken on Sunday Aug. 18 near the town of San Joaquin. This field was flowering toward the top of the plant with the lower first position bolls open.