Dear Colleagues,

The Leslie J. Nickels Trust and the Nickels Soils Lab (NSL) requests applications to support research and/or demonstration project proposals.  Funding will support field work for the 2020 growing season conducted in a commercial tree crop orchard setting located near NSL in Arbuckle, CA.

Consisting of 200 acres split between two blocks, NSL has open land and existing orchards available for field projects. Usable orchards available for research include most commercial almond varieties ranging in age from 3 years to 25 years grafted onto a wide range of rootstocks. Drip, sub-surface drip and micro-sprinkler irrigated orchards are available. Walnut plantings consist of mature plantings of ‘Howard' on paradox hybrid as well as ‘Chandler', ‘Tulare', ‘Forde' and ‘Sexton' on Paradox (seedling). The olive planting is currently reserved. New plantings will also be considered upon request.

For projects requiring an outreach component, the annual NSL field day is an established program, held in early to mid-May, featuring presentations summarizing selected projects and drawing an audience of 100-200 growers, pest control advisors and ag industry reps. The status of the 2021 Field Day is uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those interested in applying must submit the attached two-page proposal form, along with lab history, to Franz Niederholzer at fjniederholzer@ucanr.edu.  For additional information, please review the attached 2021 Nickels Soil Lab RFP.

Proposals must be submitted by December 11, 2020. For more information, please contact Franz Niederholzer at (530) 458-0570 (office), (530) 218-2359 (cell), or fjniederholzer@ucanr.edu.

Thank you.

Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)