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University of California Cooperative Extension Ventura County
669 County Square Drive, Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805.645.1451
Fax: 805.645.1474

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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The office will be closed for the following holidays:

March 29 – Ceaser Chavez Day
May 27 – Memorial Day
June 19 – Juneteenth
July 4 - Independence Day

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Water Quality Resources for Strawberry Growers in Ventura County and the Central Coast

Prepared by Julie Newman, Farm Advisor
UCCE Ventura County
February 18, 2011 

 

I.  PUBLICATIONS AND RELATED MATERIALS

 

UC Publications

This is not a comprehensive list; these publications and many others are available at the ANR Catalog: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/

1917 Strawberry Deficiency Symptoms: A Visual and Plant Analysis Guide to Fertilization. 1992.
3497 Watersheds, Groundwater and Drinking Water: A Practical Guide. T. Harter and L. Rollins. 2008.
8071 Sediment Management Practices for Strawberries. D Mountjoy. 2002.
8085 Groundwater Sampling and Monitoring. T. Harter.2003.
8118 Evaluating Water Quality. T. Hal. 2004.
8119 Pesticide Selection to Reduce Impacts on Water Quality. G. Ferruzzi. 2004.
8123 Nutrient Management Goals and Management Practices for Strawberries. G. Ferruzzi. 2004.
8161 Pesticide Choice: Best Management Practice (BMP) for Protecting Surface Water Quality in Agriculture.  R. Long, J. Gan, M. Nett. 2005.
8195 Vegetative Filter Strips for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control in Agriculture. M. Grismer, T. O’Geen, D. Lewis. 2006.
8203 State and Federal Approach to Control of Nonpoint Sources of Pollution. J M Gerstein. 2006.
8211 Storing Runoff from Winter Rain. L. Schwankl, T. Pritchard, B. Hanson. 2007.
8332 Farm Water Quality Plan. M. Bianchi. 2004.
8390 Establishing Hedgerows on Farms in California. R. Long, J Anderson. 2010.
3351 Integrated Pest Management for Strawberries. L. Strand. 2008.
9005 Field Fumigation. By S. Cohen, T. Martin, M. L. Flint. 2009.

UC County Publications

 

Newsletters, Notes, and Blogs

 

Some Publications Available from Other Universities

Extension programs in Northeast Florida Help Growers Produce Quality Strawberries by Improving Water and Nutrient Management. R. Hochmuth, D. Dinkins, M. Sweat, E. Simonne. 2003. University of Florida IFAS Publication HS-956.

Nitrogen Fertilization of Strawberry Cultivars: Is Preplant Starter Fertilizer Needed? B. Santos and A. Whidden. 2007. University of Florida IFAS Publication HS1116.

Strawberry Fertilizer Guide for Western Oregon. J. Hart., A. Sheets, L. Martin. 2000. Oregon State University.

UC Cooperative Extension PowerPoint Presentations

Ventura County

 Monterey County

 Santa Cruz County

  

II. ONLINE RESOURCES AND KNOWLEDGE CENTERS

AgNIC.

AgNic facilitates and participates in partnerships and cooperation among institutions and organizations world-wide that are committed to the identification, delivery and preservation of reliable, freely-available, evaluated, digital content and quality services for agriculture, food, and natural resources information.

 ATTRA.

ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and is funded under a grant from the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service. It provides information and other technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, extension agents, educators, and others involved in sustainable agriculture in the United States. ATTRA Publications provide information related to sustainable farming. There are several ATTRA publications related to organic strawberry production.

EXTOXNET

The EXTension TOXicology NETwork (EXTOXNET) is an effort of University of California, Davis, Oregon State University, Michigan State University, Cornell University, and the University of Idaho. The EXTOXNET InfoBase provides a variety of information about pesticides, and can be used to select pesticides to minimize runoff.

 Northwest Berry and Grape Information Network

This network is a comprehensive information and communications resource for berry and grape production practices, research, and marketing sponsored by Oregon State University, Washington State University, the University of Idaho, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Strawberries information.

 UC Farm Water Quality Planning Program

The Farm Water Quality Planning program is a coordinated effort by the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources cooperating with the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The goal is to improve water quality education to the irrigated agriculture industry in California.  A number of resources can be accessed from this website including all of the Farm Water Quality Fact Sheets. County specific water quality resources and contacts are available although some of the contact information has not been updated since the educational programs were completed in 2007. 

 UC Fruit and Nut Research and Information Center

The Center provides best management practices developed by UC Cooperative Extension and direct connections to cutting edge research, new technologies and innovations, as well as practical advice in fruit and nut production. Strawberry information.

UC IPM

The UC IPM website contains information about managing agricultural pests, including UC's official guidelines for monitoring pests and using pesticides and non-pesticide alternatives for managing insect, mite, nematode, weed, and disease pests. Pest Management Guidelines for Strawberry. Pesticide properties and water quality risk information are also available.

UC Davis Agricultural & Resource Economics Coastal Conservation Practice Studies

The UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics has “Studies for Central Coast Conservation Practices” available in pdf format. Each study describes a particular practice and provides a partial budget table estimating costs (costs per unit and reduced returns) and potential benefits (additional returns and reduced costs) for its installation, operation and maintenance. Costs and benefits are shown for low, representative and high cost scenarios. More detailed information on labor and material inputs for the representative scenario is contained on two additional tables. Cost studies include an annual cover crop, grass filter strip, grassed waterway, water/sediment control basin, on-farm row arrangement (including strawberry) and hedgerow planting, among others.

UC Riverside PesticideWise

This website can be used to search through a comprehensive EPA-USDA database and find critical information on a pesticide's properties and water quality risks.

UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

The UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) provides leadership and support for scientific research and education in agricultural and food systems that are economically viable, conserve natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life in the state's communities. SAREP serves farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, researchers, educators, regulators, policy makers, industry professionals, consumers, and community organizations across the state. Program areas include biologically integrated farming systems, methyl bromide alternatives, organic farming information, and crop production, among others. There is also a database on cover crops.

UC Small Farm Program

The UC Small Farm Program focuses on the challenges and opportunities of California's small-scale farm operators. Field and marketing research aimed at the needs of small- and moderate-scale farmers is developed and provided to farmers who are often not reached by traditional extension programs. Clients include farmers of many different cultures who operate a wide variety of farming operations, often with limited resources.

UC Water Resources Center

The mission of the UC Water Resources Center is to stimulate and support water and water-related research. One program, The UC Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program, seeks to reduce the need for restrictive regulation and, in a manner that maintains agricultural productivity, avoid economic hardship and sustain an economical, safe supply of food and fiber.

UC Weed Research and Information Center

The Weed Research and Information Center is an interdisciplinary collaboration that fosters research in weed management and facilitates distribution of associated knowledge for the benefit of agriculture and for the preservation of natural resources.

 

III.  UC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION STRAWBERRY CROP ADVISORS AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) is the public service division of the University of California, focusing on issues relating to agriculture, natural resources and communities. UCCE is a collaboration between UC and the County. This county-based service is your direct connection to University knowledge and expertise. For a complete list of county advisors and research scientists working on strawberries, see http://www.calstrawberry.com/fileData/docs/2011_Cnty_Univ_FA_AG_List_for_Production_Research.pdf

Ventura County

Oleg Daugovish, Ph.D. Farm Advisor
UC Cooperative Extension
669 County Square, Ste. 100
Ventura, CA 93003-5401
805-645-1454
odaugovish@ucdavis.edu
http://ceventura.ucdavis.edu/Com_Ag/comveg/

Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties

Surendra Dara, Ph.D. , Farm Advisor
UC Cooperative Extension
2156 Sierra Way, Ste. C
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-781-5940
skdara@ucdavis.edu
http://cesanluisobispo.ucdavis.edu/Strawberries_-_Vegetables/

Monterey and Santa Cruz  Counties

Mark Bolda, Farm Advisor (also San Benito County)
UC Cooperative Extension
1432 Freedom Blvd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
831-763-8040
mpbolda@ucdavis.edu
http://cesantacruz.ucdavis.edu/Strawberry_Nursery_Plant_Production/

Steven Koike
Statewide Strawberry Diagnostic Clinic
UC Cooperative Extension
1432 Abbott Street
Salinas, CA 93901
831-759-7350
stkoike@ucdavis.edu
http://cemonterey.ucdavis.edu

 

IV. RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) are special districts organized under the California Public Resources Code. They have no regulatory function, but are charged with carrying out natural resource conservation programs within their boundaries. RCDs can provide public education, hire employees, provide technical assistance, enter into cooperative agreements, charge for services, own and or operate land, apply for grants and provide guidance to partnering agencies and organizations on conservation issues. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has entered into mutual agreements with RCDs nationwide to provide technical assistance, free of charge, to landowners and others with conservation needs. RCDs working in cooperation with NRCS have been providing assistance to land users, schools, groups, organizations and the general public for more 60 years.

Ventura County

Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD) has a lead role in the implementation of the measures recommended for agriculture water conservation including on-farm evaluations, such as mobile irrigation lab irrigation evaluations, and workshops, field tours and expanded educational services. VCRCD also has a vital role in helping Ventura County growers comply with conditional waiver requirements by facilitating best management practices (BMPs) implementation and conducting surveys to help growers identify mitigation practices and develop water quality plans. Technical expertise and field experience of NRCS conservation specialists can be accessed to assist landowners in solving their natural and agricultural resource challenges. VCRCD assists in the preparation and review of Hillside Erosion Control Plans on new agricultural developments in critical areas (sloping lands) and co-manages the Calleguas Creek Permit Coordination Program that will significantly simplify the permitting process for those wanting to undertake certain conservation practices.

Ventura Resource Conservation District
3380 Somis Road,  P.O. Box 147
Somis, CA 93066
http://conserveventura.org/

Marty Melvin, Executive Officer
mobile: 805-216-3583
marty.melvin@vcrcd.org

Emmanuel Gonzalez, BMP Specialist
office: 805-386-4489 ext 114
mobile: 760-200-7413
calcelcoatl@gmail.com

Vic Akundzadeh, Irrigation Technician for Mobile Lab
805-386-4489 ext 113
vic.akund@gmail.com

Tracy Zaragoza, Program Outreach Specialist (Mobile Lab and grower assistance with funding)
mobile: 798-1122
tracylzaragoza@gmail.com

Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties

The Cachuma Resource Conservation District (CRCD) works with landowners and groups to voluntarily conserve and improve natural resources such as water, soil, and habitat.  CRCD provides consulting and technical assistance services to local individuals and groups to implement projects.  Projects are often related to irrigation and nutrient management; bilingual agricultural community education and outreach; engineering services, including field drainage, erosion control, and sediment management; habitat restoration; fire prevention, preparedness, and recovery; biological monitoring; and pollinator conservation on farms.  The CRCD currently provides free irrigation evaluations for land managers such as agricultural growers.  CRCD also helps maintain the CIMIS stations county wide and provide evapotranspiration information for a phone hotline that can be reached at 805-928-9344 or 1-888-CIMIS2U (1-888-246-4728).  CRCD can also help with permit coordination on a fee for service basis for some projects.  The CRCD is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with individuals and groups on implementing these and other projects—do not hesitate to contact CRCD for additional information or to request CRCD’s services.

Cachuma Resource Conservation District (CRCD)
920 East Stowell Road
Santa Maria, CA 93454
www.sbsda.org/local/crcd

Anne Coates, Executive Director
805-928-9269 ext 110
agcoates@gmail.com

Julie Fallon, CCA and Soil and Water Resource Specialist
805-928-9269 ext 120
julie.fallon@ca.nacdnet.net

Mobile lab (free on-site irrigation evaluations):
Kevin Peterson, Mobile Lab Program Director
(805) 928-9269 ext106
Kevin.Peterson@ca.nacdnet.net
www.sbwater.org/LandscapeEvaluations.htm

Monterey County

The Resource Conservation District of Monterey County (RCDMC)  provides direct assistance to Monterey County farmers and landowners to protect their soil, water, and natural habitats. The RCDMC is also a partner with agricultural and natural resource protection organizations and agencies throughout the Central Coast. Services include permit coordination information, and downloadable RCD and partner publications related to water quality issues, including technical references in English and Spanish.

Paul Robins, Executive Director Monterey RCD
Salinas Service Center
744-A La Guardia Street
Salinas, CA  93905
831-424-1036 ext.3
Paul.Robins@rcdmonterey.org
www.rcdmonterey.org

Santa Cruz County

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCDSCC) offers a variety of services tailored to address local natural resource issues while balancing the environmental and economic needs of the community. Services and resources include publications and brochures, “Conservation Currents” newsletter back issues, maps, soil surveys, permit coordination and permitting guide, and cost share assistance.

Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District
820 Bay Avenue, Suite 128
Capitola, CA 95010
http://rcdsantacruz.org/

Karen Christensen, Executive Director RCDSCC
831-464-2950 ext. 17
kchristensen@rcdsantacruz.org

Nik Strong-Cvetich (Habla espanol)
831- 464-2950 ext 11
mobile: 831-594-8109
a.rettinger@rcdsantacruz.org

 

V. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a federal agency of the USDA, is responsible for providing natural resource conservation assistance to private landowners. NRCS staff  have expertise in soils, engineering, wildlife biology, range and cropland management to provide comprehensive resource management planning to landowners. Various publications, including management practice technical guides, and services are available on the website. The NRCS provides free technical planning assistance to farmers, ranchers, and rural land owners to address resource concerns. Some NRCS offices may also have specialists that work exclusively on water quality issues as part of the AWQA. The NRCS provides assistance to landowners through several voluntary USDA cost sharing and incentives programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which offers financial and technical assistance to eligible participants for the installation of vegetated, structural and management practices such as soil erosion, water quality and quantity improvements, and wildlife habitat restoration. Limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for cost-share up to 90 percent. See http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/ for an online EQIP application. A list of NRCS offices and associated District Conservationists are listed below. The District Conservationist in each office can arrange for a site assessment and consultation with hydrologists, engineers, and other NRCS staff.

Ventura County

Somis Service Center:

Dawn Afman, District Conservationist USDA-NRCS
3380 Somis Road, P.O. Box 147
Somis, CA 93066
805-386-4489
Dawn.Afman@ca.usda.gov

Santa Barbara County

Santa Maria Service Center:

John Bechtold, District Conservationist USDA-NRCS
920 E. Stowell Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805- 928-9269 ext 105
John.Bechtold@ca.usda.gov  

San Luis Obispo County

Templeton Service District:

Margy Lindquist, District Conservationist USDA-NRCS
65 S Main Street, Ste 106
Templeton, CA  93465
805-434-0396
Margy.Lindquist@ca.usda.gov

Monterey/ Santa Cruz Counties

Salinas Service Center:

Robert LaFleur, District Conservationist USDA-NRCS
744-A La Guardia St.
Salinas, CA 93905
831- 424-1036
Robert.LaFleur@ca.usda.gov  

USDA NRCS Salinas Area Office

Daniel Mountjoy Assistant State Conservationist-Field Operations
318 Cayuga St, Ste 206
Salinas, CA 93901-2668
831-754-1595 ext. 107
Daniel.Mountjoy@ca.usda.gov 

USDA NRCS Program Delivery Point Capitola

Richard Casale, District Conservationist
820 Bay Avenue, Suite 107
Capitola, CA  95010
(831) 475-1967
Richard.Casale@ca.usda.gov

 

VI. INDUSTRY SUPPORT GROUPS AND AGENCIES

Agriculture Water Quality Alliance

The Agriculture Water Quality Alliance is a regional collaboration of agriculture industry groups; federal, state, and local agencies; technical experts; environmental organizations, and university researchers working to carry out the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Agriculture and Rural Lands Plan. There are numerous partners working together on this regional effort including county Farm Bureaus, county ag commissioners, UC Cooperative Extension, the Central Coast Agricultural Water Quality Coalition, and Resource Conservation Districts of Montery, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo counties. The website includes a calendar of water quality educational opportunities and a number of downloadable publications related to water quality issues on farms. It also includes a list of technical advisors that can provide free, confidential water quality evaluations in Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties.

Lisa Lurie, Agriculture Water Quality Coordinator
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
110 Shaffer Road, 229C
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 420-3662
lisa.lurie@noaa.gov
www.awqa.org 

California Farm Bureau Federation

The California Farm Bureau Federation is a statewide organization that provides information, research, insurance services and other benefits to its members. Farm Bureau serves as a collective voice for farmers and ranchers and cooperates with other agricultural organizations to fulfill its purpose of working for the solutions to the problems of the farm, the farm home and the rural community.

There are chapters in 56 counties, including:

California Strawberry Commission

The California Strawberry Commission (CSC) is a state-chartered agency of the California Department of Food and Agriculture representing California strawberry shippers, processors and growers funded by self-taxation or assessments on California strawberry growers. CSC provides information, research, an educational calendar and other services for the California strawberry industry. Activities and projects include food safety, trade relations, marketing communications, production and nutrition research, and public policy. Annual Research Reports. 

Central Coast Agricultural Water Quality Coalition

The Agricultural Water Quality Program  of the Central Coast Agricultural Water Quality Coalition spans 7 counties , including Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. The Coalition represents farmers and ranchers in the development and implementation of voluntary, cost-effective, producer-directed programs to protect water quality on the Central Coast. The Coalition represents six County Farm Bureaus whose watersheds drain to the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. The Coalition assists growers in the implementation of the Conditional Ag Waiver. Staff that assist growers with accessing sources of funding and provide technical assistance for the design and implementation of water quality protection practices. Technical services include analysis, recommendations and assistance with such projects as cover cropping, irrigation distribution uniformity, and irrigation efficiency evaluations (depending on current level of funding).

MaryEllen Dick, Program Manager
831-728-5984
mobile: 831-359-6040
maryellenagwater@sbcglobal.net
http://agwaterquality.org/ 

Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc.

The Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc. (CCWQP) manages the Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) on behalf of irrigated agriculture throughout the Central Coast for the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Board conditional waiver program, including portions of San Mateo County and all of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.

Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc.
PO Box 1049
Watsonville CA 95077
831-761-8644
http://ccwqp.org/

Kirk Schmidt, Executive Director
831-761-8644 x14
kschmidt@ccwqp.org

Sarah Greene, Program Manager
mobile: 831-331-9051
sgreene@ccwqp.org 

Community Alliance with Family Farmers

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is a nonprofit member-activist organization of rural and urban people who foster family-scale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economies, and promotes social justice. CAFF has been increasing farm biodiversity with native plant hedgerow projects in the Central Coast, North Coast and San Joaquin Valley regions since 2001. There are several publications related to the use of hedgerows in California with related discussions on windbreaks and filter strips that are downloadable from the website. Sam Earnshaw specializes in the planning and installation of insectary hedgerows, erosion control plantings, and wildlife habitat.

Sam Earnshaw, Central Coast Regional Coordinator
PO Box 1766
Watsonville, CA
831-722-5556
sambo@cruzio.com
http://www.caff.org/

Ventura County Irrigated Lands Group

VCAILG is the conditional waiver group for Ventura County landowners who wish to comply as a group to requirements of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board conditional waiver requirements. VCAILG is administered by the Ventura County Farm Bureau.

Dale Zurawski, Water Quality Program Manager
Farm Bureau of Ventura County
5156 McGrath St., Suite 102, P.O. Box 3160
Ventura, CA 93006
805-289-0155
dale@farmbureauvc.com
http://farmbureauvc.com/water_quality.html#vcailg_faqs 

 

VII. WATER BOARDS AND AG WAIVER/TMDL INFORMATION 

Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region 4)

Region 4 includes all coastal watersheds of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, and small portions of Kern and Santa Barbara Counties.

320 W. 4th Street, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-576-6600
info4@waterboards.ca.gov
www.waterboards.ca.gov/losangeles

Ag Waiver Program: (See also Ventura County Irrigated Lands Group)

Jenny Newman
Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
213-576-6691
jnewman@waterboards.ca.gov

Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region 3)

Region 3 includes all of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties; it also includes the southern part  of Santa Clara County, and small portions of San Mateo, Kern, and Ventura  Counties.

895 Aerovista Place, Suite 101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-549-3147
info3@waterboards.ca.gov
www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast 

Agricultural Regulatory Program Staff:
805-549-3875

Ag Waiver Educational Credits:

Corinne Huckaby, Sanitary Engineering Associate
805-549-3504
Chuckaby@waterboards.ca.gov

Approved courses: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/ag_waivers/docs/current_approved_courses.pdf