Climate change and variability in water availability is causing challenges for growers of perennial crops that must endure major changes in abiotic stresses. Californian farmers are starting to test regenerative agricultural practices to make crops more resilient to these stresses. GEBJSL scientists are working with these farmers to assess if regenerative practices improve resilience to stress, evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms for resilience, and test changes to regenerative practices that may further enhance resilience.

Observing the biophysical response of wine grapes to cover crops and other regenerative practices in the Temecula Valley.

Trellised citrus in the San Joaquin Valley, CA.

Californian farmers are constantly evolving cultivation practices to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, many of the models used to predict crop water use are decades old, relying on studies with obsolete agronomic practices. Working with cooperating growers and others, GEBJSL scientists are assessing the impact of new cropping practices on crop water use, irrigation frequency, and water productivity. These studies will inform future irrigation practices to optimize water use in a sustainable groundwater era.

Agricultural fields, especially in river valleys, often have highly variable soil textures. Irrigating the same amount across the field risks inefficient water use, nutrient leaching, and potential crop stress in sandier areas. GEBJSL scientists are evaluating new, AI-informed soil products for improving crop water prediction and irrigation management for crops. These decision support tools can enable better irrigation timing and can inform variable rate irrigation approaches, thus improving crop water use efficiency and reducing nutrient leaching.

Lower and higher resolution soil moisture capacity maps (near Yuma, AZ)

Soil salinity affects crop growth in the USA and globally. Accurate salinity information helps farmers and natural resource managers conserve water and avoid soil degradation . Since the 1980s, GEBJSL scientists have developed novel methodologies to map soil salinity at the field and broader scales. These methods have become a standard worldwide, recommended by many agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Agriculture in water-scarce environments is challenges by drought, salinity, and other environmental factors. GEBJSL scientists collect sensor measurements in the field. With the help of artificial intelligence, satellite data, and other public information, they inform farmers on the status of their agricultural systems, helping them optimize yield while saving water, manage salinity, and reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural practices.