Nutrient management is critical to successful vegetable production. Given the high value and exacting market standards for size, appearance, and postharvest quality for vegetable crops, fertilizer management practices have focused on optimizing production across a wide range of field conditions. While effective in producing good crops, these practices are not necessarily reflective of input costs or environmental protection. As growers face increasingly stringent regulations designed to minimize nutrient losses to the environment, a new look at fertilization practices is warranted.
With this guide in hand, you'll learn about the characteristics of selected fertilizers commonly used for fertigation, long- and short-duration strategies, how to calculate injection rates, frequency considerations, how to apply fertilizers uniformly, mixing considerations, injection devices, and how to prevent backflow. You'll also learn about nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium distribution around drip lines and how and why to inject gypsum.
A management goal is the best economically achievable technology or process for limiting the movement of nutrients. Fact sheet 3.4 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series.
Fertilizer use is an integral part of conventional vegetable production, but it has become a serious environmental issue. An overview of the use and effects of applying nutrients. Reference sheet 9.9 in the Farm Water Quality Planning Series
This website was created to increase access to California agricultural nutrient management resources and serve as a platform for conversations on important nutrient management issues.
This handbook has been developed to bridge the gap between the advanced salinity literature and practical information on salinity intended for lay audiences. A user-friendly resource for agricultural consultants and advisors, as well as for local, state and federal agricultural and water agency management staff. Includes thirty-eight chapters covering a broad spectrum of salinity and drainiage topics, written so as to be easily understood by anyone with a general agricultural background.
Monitoring soil moisture is an alternate method to water-based balance methods of managing irrigation water. Using this method you can “see” what is going on in the soil and determine answers to some key irrigation management questions: •Did enough water infiltrate the soil? •Is too much water being applied? •What is the water uptake pattern of the roots? •When should irrigation take place? •What was the depth reached by the irrigation?
Addresses the benefits and value of organic matter, and describes several common organic materials. Includes a glossary of important technical and legal terms and concepts.
Urban soils often have been contaminated by past uses. Learn strategies for urban soil contamination assessment, testing, and remediation; and considerations for municipal policy concerning safe soils for urban agriculture.
A soil's physical and chemical properties determine whether it is vulnerable to erosion, which can reduce soil quality and cause other problems besides. Learn the basics of identifying what type of erosion is affecting your land and what's causing it.
A very diverse group of University of California researchers, farmers, and representatives of public agencies, private industry and environmental groups formed the Conservation Tillage Workgroup to develop knowledge and exchange information on conservation tillage production systems in California.
This handbook is one of the most comprehensive, science-based resources available on cover cropping. In addition to species selection information, this handbook addresses the effects of cover cropping on water management, pest management, and farm economics.
This user-friendly, practical guide was written for large and small greenhouse producers of containerized crops throughout the United States and all climates of North America. Inside you’ll find a thorough overview of plant nutrition and water quality.
