Irrigation

Irrigation to be focus of July 21 WSU Smart Vineyard field day

Precision irrigation sensors and technologies to mitigate heat stress are scheduled to be on display at the Washington State University’s Smart Vineyard field day. At the field day, scheduled for July 21 from 10 a.m.... more »

Sensors help trees tell growers when they are thirsty

The traditional method of using technology to alert growers of the need to irrigate involves soil-based sensors, which do well at relaying moisture data at a specific depth and location. Dendrometers, which measure the expansion... more »

California water rights rules opposed by coalition

As California experiences wild swings in climate from drought to floods, critics of the state’s water rights system seek to overhaul rules that date back to California’s founding in 1850. Three water rights bills are... more »

Fruit specialists tackle extreme weather issues

North American Extension specialists are offering their expertise in three webinars designed to help growers confront changing weather patterns that threaten fruit crops. The third season of the North American Virtual Orchard Meetups will focus... more »

Mitigate blueberry heat damage with overhead irrigation

Michigan’s blueberry industry has been increasingly affected by climate change with spring heatwaves, long dry periods and heavy rains all causing a potential for yield losses. To illustrate this, in February-March 2012 daily high temperatures... more »

Horticultural supply industry figure Kurt Dramm dies

Kurt Dramm, a leader in the horticultural supply industry, has died. He was 85. Dramm died May 16. He was the co-founder of the Manitowoc, Wisconsin, based Dramm Corp.,... more »

Minnesota study shows higher profits for Ag Water Quality Certified Farms

Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) experience higher profits than non-certified farms, according to a recent study by the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. The results mark the fourth... more »

Conserving water: Group defines Farm Bill irrigation needs

Conservation programs have long been a key part of farm bills over the years, and the 2023 Farm Bill will be no different. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has established five core principles... more »