Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences werethe containerized nursery industry, landscape industry, land reclamation agencies, water agencies, commercial landscapers and tree fruit crop production industries. The fruit crop industry pertained to those farmers looking for more drought tolerant fruit crops. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Through this program, we have been able to meet with the industry to get a first-hand approach to the issues that they are facing with secondary water sources. Through these meetings, we and the industry have a better understanding of the needs of the industry based on their experiences with secondary water sources. We have regularly published newsletters related to the use of secondary water sources and fertilizers to maintain a sustainable industry, while simultaneously mitigating negative impacts to the environment. We have conducted workshops throughout the state of California related to fertilizer and water use. These programs have been conducted in English and Spanish to meet the needs of the industry. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated via personal communications, websites, and publications in academic and trade journals and newsletters. All day workshops have been conducted in both English and Spanish with hands-on demonstrations as well as on-site demonstrations and progress reports at agricultural production facilities. ? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
With our outreach and research programs, we educated and assisted nursery growers who are utilizing secondary water sources in their production systems. In the past, secondary water sources consisted on recycled irrigation water from the nurseries and well or surface water containing high concentration of non-plant essential salts. Over the past five years, our research and extension programs encompassed growers who are required to use treated municipal water (reclaimed water) and secondary well water sources. We have investigated the literature to determine what has been done addressing the use of municipal waste water and developed new management practices to assist growers in optimizing production practices using secondary water sources. Through these educational programs and onsite visits, our agricultural clientele have reduced usage of primary water sources, increased their use of secondary water sources with success and have complied with many regulations now implemented by the state for water usage and disposal. Overall, we have helped agriculture in our area become more sustainable, especially with regard to water and fertilizer use.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J. 2016. Sanitation and treatment for pathogens in recycled water. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News Volume 20(2): 15-17.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J. 2016. Nitrogen and water use of winter and summer-growing succulents. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News Volume 20(1): 15-17.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Newman, J.P., D. Merhaut, D. Haver, J.N. Kabashima and Ben Faber. 2015. Managing El Ni�o storm runoff. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News Volume 19(3): 1-5.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J. 2015. Fertilizer and media management during El Ni�o. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News Volume 19(3): 10-13.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J. 2015. Fertilizer management when using secondary water sources. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News Volume 19(2):16-18.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J. 2014. Reclaimed water use in nursery production. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News Volume 18(3): 8-9.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J. 2014. Managing media to optimize water use. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News. Volume 18(2): 13-15.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J. 2014. Silicon in plant nutrition. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News. Volume 18(1): 11-12.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Merhaut, D.J., E.K. Blythe, J.P. Albano and J.P. Newman. 2013. Nutrient release from controlled-release fertilizer in nursery production systems. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News. Volume 17(3): 1-5.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Valdez-Aguilar, L.A., C.M. Grieve, A. Razak-Mahar, M.E. McGiffen and D.J. Merhaut. 2011. Growth and ion distribution is affected by irrigation with saline water in selected landscape species grown in two consecutive growing seasons: Spring-summer and Fall-winter. HortScience 46(4):632-642.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Corkidi, L., D.J. Merhaut, E.B. Allen, J. Downer, J. Bohn and M. Evans. 2011. Effects of mycorrhizal colonization on nitrogen and phosphorus leaching from nursery containers. HortScience 46(11): 1472-1479.
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
J. Newman, S. Mangiafico, D. Merhaut, L. Wu, J. Lu, D. Haver, B. Faber and J. Gan. 2011. Mitigating pesticide runoff from nurseries. Chapter 6 In: Pesticide mitigation strategies for surface water quality. ACS Symposium Series: American Chemical Society: Washington, DC.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Albano, J.P. and D.J. Merhaut. 2012. Influence of FeEDDS, FeEDTA, FeDTPA, FeEDDHA, and FeSO4 on marigold growth and nutrition, and substrate and runoff chemistry. HortScience 47(1):93-97.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Mangiafico, S.S., D.J. Merhaut, J. Newman, H. Ewing and B. Faber. 2012. Nutrient runoff uptake potential and growth for three U.S. native grasses and tall fescue. J. environ. Hort. 30(3): 125-131.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Corkidi, L., D.J. Merhaut, M. Mochizuki, T. Khuong, J.P. Newman, O. Dougovish, B. Faber, J. de Soto, A.A. Keller, M.E. Sanchez-Coronado, J. Bohn, and M. Evans. 2013. Plant selection for vegetated buffers: Plant size vs nutrient uptake efficiency. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) News. 17(2): 1-4.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:There are primarily twotarget audiences, tree fruit growers and ornamentalplantproduction nurseries. Tree Fruit Growers. The first target audience is thosepeople intree fruit industry thatare looking for alternative crops that require less water and fertilizer inputs or crops thatcan tolerate secondary water sources. The researchassociated with this is the pomegranate cultivar trials that arebeing conducted in Riverside, CA and Somis, CA.During the past year, contacts have been madeand meetings conducted withgrowers interested in growing pomegranates. In addition, weworked closely with the USDA Germplasm Center in Winters, CAto evaluate postharvest fruit quality of potentially newcultivars.During this time period,wemonitored andmaintainedthe secondyearofpomegranate orchards established at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Riverside, CA. (a hot interiorclimate) and Somis, CA. (a cool coastal climate). Eventually these sites will provide data on which cultivars perform optimally in cool climates and hot climates, and provide information on the challenges of pomegranate production in these regions. Ornamental Nursery Growers and Landscapers. The other target audience with this project in Ornamental Nursery Growers and Lanscapers. During the past year, we have worked with the nursery industry to troubleshoot problems associated with the use of secondary water sources. We have also conducted outreach to landscapers regarding alternative groundcovers and their performance under reduced water applications. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training opportunities were accomplished in three areas. 1. Drought Tolerance of Groundcovers. Scientists and associated students learned about sensor monitoring for soil moisture and understanding and communicating information regarding Evapotranspiration coefficients. 2. Pomegranate Cultivar Evaluations. Graduate students received training on various equipment to evaluate tree health. These included SPAD meters for chlorophyll content, LiCor meters to measure transpiration and photosynthesis, tree pruning techniques, and laboratory procedures to measure fruit acidity, brix and antioxidant activity. 3. native and nonnative nutrient and water uptake studies. This research has resulted in an inceased understanding of nutrient and water requirements succulents, grasses and sedges from different climates of the world. The scientist involved with this project, has also worked with regional growers of this plant material to understand what plants are grown and how the industry produces such a diverse ornamental crop. This has allowed the scientist to fine tune research projects to meet the needs of the growers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to the communities of interest via one-on-one communications with site visits to ornamental nursery growers, hands-on field days conducted for the drought tolerance of groundcovers study and meetings and site visits with pomegranate growers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Mycorrhizal research will be summarized in refereed publications and data will also be incorporated into appropriate outreach programs. 2. Biochar research data will be statistically analyzed and published in refereed journals and incorporated into appropriate outreach programs that target appropriate audiences. 3 and 4.. Determine the effect of native and nonnative plant species on nutrient and water uptake. We will begin the study on the nutrient and water uptake of succulents, collecting leachate data. 5. Drought tolerance of native and nonnative groundcovers. We will summarize data from the groundcover study and present it appropriate audience. This research will be statistically summarized and published in journals catered to appropriate audiences.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. mycorrhiza colonization research. The research project has been completed. 2. Biochar. We have conducted the study on biochar. Water samples were collected and analyzed for nitrogen and phosphorus. The data was statistically analyzed during this reporting period. 3 and 4. Determine the effect of native and nonnative plant species on nutrient and water uptake. A portion of this study has been completed, but is still ongoing. Addtionally, a new study associated with succulents native to different desert and seasonlly dry tropical, subtropical or temperate regions had been initiated. During this reporting period, all plant material has been collected that will be included in the study. 5. Drought tolerance of native and nonnative groundcovers for landscapes in southern California. The research plot received no water during this reporting period. Plants were evaluated for aesthetic qualities during this drought event.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Through this program, we have been able to meet with the industry to get a first-hand approach to the issues that they are facing with secondary water sources. Through these meetings, we have gotten a better understanding of the needs of the industry based on their experiences with secondary water sources. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated via personal communications, websites, and publicatiosn in academic and trade journals and newsletters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will continue to work with growers to develop better strategies to manage and utilize secondary water sources, placing a stronger emphasis on reclaimed water (treated municipal water). We will study and develop new fertilizer and pest management strategies and develop new irrigation practices to optimize the use reclaimed water and improve crop performance and 'yield'.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
With our outreach and research programs, we have been assisting nursery growers who are utililizing secondary water sources in their production systems. In the past, secondary water sources consisted on recycled irrigation water from the nurseries and well or surface water containing high concentration of non-plant essential salts. Over the past year, our research and extension program has now encompassed growers who are required to use treated municipal water. We have investigated the literature to determine what has been done addressing the use of municipal waste water and developed new management practices to assist growers in optimizing production practices.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this project is nursery production operations, water agencies,landscape companies and cut flower and foliage producers with end users being the retailers and homeowners Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The opportunities from training include the proper use of mycorrhiza in containerized production of ornamentals. This information can be incorporated into other nursery production programs where mitigation of water and nutrient runoff from nursery production operations is a priority. The use of biochar can provide a means of mitigating nutrient runoff from certain nursery operation systems. This can be incorporated into training programs where the goal is mitigation of nutrient runoff. Regarding vegetated filter strips, this information is included in training modules that focus on mitigation of water and nutrient runoff from nursery production facilities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results of all of the projects are disseminated to the communities of interest. This has been done with field days for the evaluation of groundcovers for water use efficiency. The biochar results accumulated thus far have been distributed in the form of posters at professional meetings. The results of the use of native plants from vegetated filter strips have been incorporated into other workshops where the goal is to mitigate water and nutrient runoff from agricultural production facilities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will decide whether to continue at a lower irrigation regime, or work on cultural practices for the groundcover project.Some of the concerns are that a lower irrigation regime will eliminate most plants. Also, there is concern on how to manage groundcovers in the landscape, since severe pruning of some crops leads to death, especially if performed during different times of the year. The use of biochar is still being investigated to see if water holding capacity or anion exchange capacity is responsible for the retention of nitrate and phosphates in the media. Regarding the filter strips, we will now be investigating some non-native plants for use in filter strips. We need t consider non-native plants for some agricultural production facilities, since the use of native plants may result in the establishment of a protected area if endangered species colonize the area. In addition, the use of ornamental non-native plants will result in opportunities to propagate and sell plants from vegetated filter strips for some nursery production operations if infrastructural concerns are met.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We determined the use of mycorrhiza and their effects on plant growth and nutrient uptake of nursery crops. The use of mycorrhizal does influence nutrient uptake efficiency in container production. The efficacy of mycorrhiza will be determined by the substrate being used on the containers.Mycorrhizal vs. non-mycorrhizal has differing effects on nutrient uptake and plant growth and development. The biochar research has progressed; with preliminary results indicating that biochar has either some anion exchange capacity or water holding capacity or both. This product, when used in the concentrations tested shows no ill effects on plant growth. Proper use ofbiochar does seem to have a beneficial effect on plant growth and mitigation of nutrient runoff from containers.In other studies, we have determined that the use of native and possibly non-native species are influential in mitigating nutrient runoff when used properly in riparian areas or drainage areas in agricultural production facilities. The proper use and maintenance of these crops is being considered, based on their growth characteristics and nutrient uptake efficiency properties. There are some correlations with canopysize for some species. However, in other species, canopy size and root mass have different effects on nutrient uptake efficiency. Because of these differing results with different plant species, the recommendations for plant selection and plant maintenance in filter strips will vary and will be dictated by theprimary use of the vegetated filter strip, whether it is water mitigation and/or nutrientmitigation.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: We continue to target all agricultural production industries with our research and extension programs, taking a watershed approach to improving runoff water quality. We have collaborated with the ornamental industries, as well as the citrus, avocado, strawberry and rowcrop growers. Our programs also include clientele such as consultants and suppliers of fertilizers and irrigation supplies. The size of the grower operations range from small two acre farms to 200 acre ranches. Even though our core program began with the watersheds in Ventura County, the demand for research and education in other parts of the state, have allowed us to expand our program throughout California. Our programs are presented in English and Spanish. Five educational programs were presented in 2012 in the Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. However, other workshops were conducted throughout the state in association with the University of California Nursery and Floriculture Association (UCNFA). Our research and extension programs encompass many aspects of water conservation, water recycling, Best Management Practices (BMPs) for fertilizer and water usage. We have also worked with growers on BMPs for infrastructural modifications that impact the quality and quantity of water runoff. We are also writing a book and fertilizer and irrigation management in floriculture crops. PARTICIPANTS: California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC), California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC), Kee Kitayama Research Foundation (KKRF), Hansen Trust, Ventura County Farm Bureau, California State Waterboard, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB), Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD); Ventura County Agricultural Irrigated Lands Group (VCAILG); Los Angeles; The California State Water Board (CWB); The Friends of the Santa Clara River; The Ventura County Watershed Coalition; the Calleguas Creek Watershed Steering Committee; and the Ventura County Watershed Protection District. TARGET AUDIENCES: Cut Flower Growers, Ornamental Nursery Growers, Citrus Growers, Avocado Growers, Row Crop Growers, Strawberry Growers, Fertilizer and Pesticide Companies, Agricultural Consultants, Farm Advisors, and Academic Personnel in related disciplines PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
With our research and outreach programs, we have assisted over 300 growers in developing BMPs that have optimized fertilizer and water use efficiency in crop production, resulting in reduced water runoff into watersheds, and improving water quality of water that does enter watersheds from production sites. This has resulted in the improvement of the water quality of watersheds and a reduction in the demand for fresh water resources from California's limited water supply. Because of these improvements in runoff water quality, growers have been granted agricultural waivers by the Los Angeles County Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB). The alternative would have been that farmers would have to pay for routine testing of runoff water quality, a cost which would have put many smaller farms out of business. This is critical since many specialty crops such as Australian-native cut foliage, subtropical fruits, and vegetables are only grown on smaller farms.
Publications
- Mangiafico, S.S., D.J. Merhaut, J. Newman, H. Ewing and B. Faber. 2012. Nutrient runoff uptake potential and growth for three U.S. native grasses and Tall Fescue. J. Environmental Hort. 30(3):125-131.
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