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Proper nutrient management optimizes fertilizer use efficiency by matching nutrient application to crop needs while minimizing nitrogen leaching and runoff. Practices will vary by location and are selected based on location, crop, soil, and climate. Private landowners, government agencies, and non-profit organizations can contract with the RCD to provide nutrient management services for a wide variety of projects.

Our services include:

  • Implementation of the 4 R’s (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place) to reduce nitrogen leaching and runoff losses
  • Irrigation and Nutrient field assessments, agricultural water quality management project assistance and project partner coordination
  • Report preparation, including the Total Nitrogen Applied Report for the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and Nutrient Budgeting report for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

RCD has provided nutrient management services for a wide variety of projects:

  • Salinas Valley Irrigation and Nutrient and Management Program with Coastal Conservation and Research, Inc., UC Cooperative Extension, and Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation (funding from the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board)
  • Santa Rita Creek watershed projects in partnership with Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation and Central Coast Wetlands Group (funding from CA Dept. of Water Resources through Integrated Regional Water Management Plan program)
  • Small farmers training project in partnership with CA FarmLink and Latino farmers funded by the CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Innovation Grant for nutrient management cooperatives in the lower Salinas Valley

Contact Laura Murphy, Soil Scientist, for more information.

Resources

  • Manual de Producción de Fresa. Cachuma Resource Conservation District. 2015.

  • Video: 'Como se usa La Prueba Rapida De Nitrato en el Manejo de aplicación de fertilizanta.'Cachuma Resource Conservation District. 

  • Video: 'How to Use the Soil Nitrate “Quick Test” to Better Manage Fertilizer Applications.' Cachuma Resource Conservation District.     

 

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