September 2006
New UC cover crop, nitrogen fertilizer publications aimed at walnut growers
Two new walnut publications now available.
"We're pleased that California growers have a new source of information and direction about cover crops and the best use of nitrogen fertilizer," said Joe Grant, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor in San Joaquin County.
The publications are outreach products from the "Buy California" and USDA-funded UC project "Increasing the Adoption of Biologically Integrated Farming Systems in California Specialty Crops: Farmer-to-Farmer Outreach of Environmentally Sound and Economically Viable Practices."
The project, which began in 2003, built on the successes of the UC statewide Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program's (SAREP) Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) program, according to Bev Ransom, SAREP BIFS coordinator.
"The authors worked with an experienced group of walnut farmers who are familiar with biologically integrated farming systems," she said. "They were able to produce two very 'user-friendly' documents that deal with the dynamics of cover crops and nitrogen fertilization."
The two new publications, which are available from UC ANR's Communication Services, are:
Cover Crops for Walnut Orchards, by Joseph Grant, Kathy Kelley Anderson, Terry Prichard, Janine Hasey, Robert L. Bugg, Fred Thomas, Tom Johnson. The publication explains cover crops, the noncash crops grown to improve soil quality that add organic matter and nitrogen. It presents the benefits of cover cropping as well as challenges unique to walnut orchards, and outlines a step-by-step process from choosing cover crops to planting and managing them. 19 pages. ANR publication 21627, $10. Order online at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/InOrder/Shop/ItemDetails.asp?ItemNo=21627
Guide to Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Use in Walnut Orchards, by Kathy Kelley Anderson, Joseph Grant, Steven A. Weinbaum and Stuart Pettygrove. This publication describes concepts and tools growers can use to maximize nitrogen use efficiency by matching it to tree demand, thereby avoiding unnecessary losses. Chapters cover concepts of fertilization, nitrogen budgeting, choosing fertilizers, and fertilizing young trees. Also included is a worksheet for nitrogen budgeting. 19 pages. ANR publication 21623, $7. Order online at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/InOrder/Shop/ItemDetails.asp?ItemNo=21623
“Efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers in walnut orchards can affect both productivity and profits, while reducing contamination of ground and surface waters,” said Kathy Kelley Anderson, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor in Stanislaus County.
She noted that farmers have increased the use of cover crops in the last several years.
"Although the main reason to plant a cover crop is to improve soil quality, cover crops can also enhance water infiltration, reduce dust, and prevent runoff of water and pesticides," she said.
Both publications can be ordered by calling (800) 994-8849 or by logging onto http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu. Shipping and applicable tax are added to the cost of each order.
Media contacts:
Lyra Halprin, (530) 752-8664, lhalprin@ucdavis.edu
