Small and Organic Farm Advisor

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The Heat is On: Soil Solarization

July 7th, 2020
By Margaret G Lloyd
The days are long and the temperatures are high. This is a great time to solarize the soil in the Central Valley as a way to manage annual weeds and improve the growth of fall crops.
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Image of johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense
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Johnsongrass in organics: Mow it?

July 6th, 2020
By Margaret G Lloyd
Yes, mow it! Mowing works to at least prevent seed spread and regular mowing will weaken rhizomes. Seed establishment has the greatest potential for the establishment and spread of johnsongrass and must be prevented. Therefore, mowing works to at least prevent seed spread.
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Tomato 4th leaf sample used to determine NPK (Photo credit: Patricia Lazicki)
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Leaf Sampling and In-Field Soil Tests for Nitrate

June 30th, 2020
By Margaret G Lloyd
Are you concerned with your plant growth or wondering how your winter and spring activities (compost, cover crops, pre-plant fertilizers) are contributing to plant-available nitrate? If so, now is a great time to consider taking leaf or soil samples.
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Crop N Uptake general
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Summer Crops Are Booming and So Is Their Nitrogen Demand

June 24th, 2020
By Margaret G Lloyd
Nitrogen is one of the essential macronutrients required for a healthy, productive crop. With summer in full swing, the nitrogen demand for many crops is high. Use these graphs to understand the timing of nitrogen demand in the crops you are growing.
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