Sustainable farming systems field day June 17
June 2008
sunflowers at Muller & Sons Farms.
(photo by Kent Brittan)
DAVIS -- A 21-year-old farming comparison project at the UC Davis Russell Ranch Sustainable Agriculture Facility, which has shown that subsurface drip irrigation decreases water use and cuts greenhouse gas emissions, will be in the spotlight at an annual field day and open house, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 17.
The Russell Ranch, seven miles west of the main campus, is home to long-term agriculture studies and provides a living laboratory for students, UC Davis' Agricultural Sustainability Institute and the sustainable agriculture farming systems project.
Hay wagons will transport participants through the research site to see field presentations, a grower panel, and an update on energy-efficient equipment.
Len Richardson, editor of California Farmer Magazine, will be the field day keynote speaker. He will discuss farmers' special relationship to the land and the challenges they face in their profession and lives.
"In addition to the obvious economic connection to the land, farmers have emotional connections to the land," Richardson said. "That's something we can all identify with, even someone like me who only grows roses and a few trees. That connection is related to the way I define sustainability -- it's basic stewardship. I admire the farmers who take care of the land. Ethically we want to do what's right for the land and treat it sustainably, which means keeping it fertile and productive over our life times, and for our children and grandchildren."
Richardson has been an agricultural journalist for more than 35 years, the last 27 in his current position. A regular presence at farm field days, equipment shows and state agriculture hearings, Richardson is known for his monthly editorials as well as his reporting.
"Collaborative research like the UC Davis sustainable agriculture farming systems project is particularly important because farmers are key members of the research team," he said. "Their experience is critical to the scientists, while data that shows how subsurface drip irrigation reduces weeds and saves money or that demonstrates the water-cleansing effects of cover crops can help farmers be both economically sustainable and good stewards."
Will Horwath, project coordinator of the Russell Ranch facility's sustainable farming systems project and UC Davis professor of land, air and water resources, will share data that indicates winter cover crops, conservation tillage and subsurface drip irrigation may help growers increase yields while improving soil quality and reducing water runoff from their fields. Horwath and hydrology professor Wes Wallender will present research on water management and runoff with postdoctoral researcher Inmyoung Park.
"We're hoping that our recent research results will help growers evaluate the tradeoff between ecological benefits and economic costs in a sustainable system," Horwath said.
Furrow irrigation, which is the most common irrigation practice in California row crop systems, wets a large area of the soil profile. Subsurface drip irrigation limits the water delivery to a small area, which reduces the activity of soil microorganisms and processes related to trace gas emissions. Project research manager Martin Burger and junior specialist Cynthia Kallenbach will talk about strategies to reduce trace gas emissions from agricultural soil.
Karen Klonsky, UC Davis Cooperative Extension farm management specialist, will report 2007 results on the economics of drip irrigation to help growers evaluate the benefits of alternative irrigation systems.
Nematologist Howard Ferris, plant microbiologist Kate Scow and agroecologist Johan Six will compare soil ecology in various farming systems, while Russell Ranch crop production manager Dennis Bryant and agricultural technician Israel Herrera will present an equipment demonstration.
Pre-registration for the field day is requested by June 10. The $5 registration fee (free for growers and students) covers the cost of a local, seasonal lunch and refreshments. PCA and CCA continuing education units will be offered. Registration and directions are on the Web at http://safs.ucdavis.edu. For more information, contact Martin Burger at (530) 754-6497, mburger@ucdavis.edu or Patricia Lazicki at (530) 220-2319, patricia.lazicki@gmail.com .
Media Contacts:
Will Horwath, UC Davis Department of Land, Air & Water Resources, (530) 754-6029,
Lyra Halprin, (530) 752-8664,