Posts Tagged: energy

Pumping Survey. You can help.

This survey should take around 20 minutes to complete. To preview the survey before taking it, a PDF version can be viewed here. If you are at least 18 years of age, own or operate a farm or ranch in California, and rely at least to some extent on groundwater for your farm or ranch operations, please click the link below to complete the questionnaire.

If you have questions about this survey or the larger project, or would prefer to respond to this survey over the phone, please contact us at gwenergy@lbl.gov, (510) 486-6839 [Heidi Fuchs, Survey Lead], or (510) 495-2865 [Helcio Blum, Project Lead]. For issues related to your rights as a research participant in this study (LBNL HSC 382H001-31AU19), please contact LBNL's Human Subjects Committee at (510) 486-5399.

Learn more and take the survey at

https://gwenergy.lbl.gov/growers

Questions? Contact us at gwenergy@lbl.gov or (510) 486-6839

Thank you very much for your time and participation!

well pump

Pressure, Energy and Sand Media Filters

Sand media filters are commonly used in agricultural microirrigation systems. They have the advantages of simplicity and large capacities and are favored by many farmers and designers over other filtration hardware when there is a lot of organic matter in the water. The Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC) at Cal Poly San Luis looked at sand filters to see if it were possible to use lower-than-accepted backflush pressure and thereby reduce the total pressure required for irrigation systems.  By lowering backflush pressure it would be possible to design a system that could run at an overall lower pressure and hence cost.  The various components of microirrigation systems run at lower pressures than the backflush pressures recommended for most sand media filters.

The conclusions are:

1. There are substantial pressure differences amongst different models and designs during backflush and filtration

2. The main pressure loss is at the backflush valves

3. If designed right large backflush flow rates can be accomplished at low backflush pressures (this is critical for proper detritus removal).

4. There are substantial differences among underdrains of various models which affects pressure requirements

5. No large intimal high pressure was necessary to break up the media bed, a common practice.

6. Different underdrain designs create different patterns of cleaning the media.

7. There were substantial differences among models in the amount of sand discharged from the system at backflow rate of 190 GPM. Sand discharge should actually be avoided since it's an indication of preferential flow and poor cleaning.

These are some new ideas, and even though they are meant to reduce pressure and energy use, they are also good management suggestions.

If this strikes your fancy, read more at http://www.itrc.org/reports/mediafilters.htm

sand filter

Ornamental Plants and Trees

California is a highly urbanized state with an expanding population. Planned landscapes and gardens are essential for Californians to maintain health promoting environments via urban landscapes.  California’s urban landscapes are complex plant systems that provide essential functional, environmental, recreational, and psychological benefits for urban residents. 

In 1995 landscapes covered  1.369 million acres in California, which is the most recent reliable data published.  This planted area has undoubtedly grown with population increases since that time.  In addition to creating beauty and health benefits, the ornamental plant and tree industry creates and supports many jobs and economic activity within the state.

The landscape industry is estimated to have a statewide economic activity well over $5 billion annually, with approximately 60% centered in Southern California.  When indirect effects of tourism are included, the economic impact and importance of landscape horticulture nearly doubles.  Examples of related employment numbers and their approximate memberships are: licensed landscape contractors (2,500), landscape architects (2,000), sod growers (4), arborists and city street tree managers (800+), urban water agencies (100+), along with urban forestry agencies and groups, irrigation managers and engineers, and municipal parks, planning and public works departments. 

Landscapes are populated by two major categories of plants: turfgrasses, and woody ornamentals such as trees, shrubs and vines.

Turfgrass is the largest irrigated crop in the U.S. with an estimated land cover of 40.5 million acres or nearly 2% of the total area of the continental U.S.. The turfgrass industry in California is arguably the largest in the world with the economic impact from golf alone estimated to be more than $15 billion annually.

Turfgrass plays an important role in the landscape and in the lives of Californians. It is aesthetically pleasing and provides a safer, cushioned surface for sports and recreational activities.  Turfgrass reduces surface temperature by transpirational cooling. It also lessens glare, noise, soil erosion, and dust thereby reducing air pollution and allergens.  Turfgrass provides habitat for wildlife and reduces wildfire hazard.  It has been demonstrated to be an effective bio-filter for applied pesticides and nutrients, and for pharmaceuticals and other xenobiotics (substances not normally found) in reclaimed water for irrigation.

Turfgrass also helps to remove carbon from the environment. Long-term soil testing data from Colorado golf courses were used to estimate soil C sequestration. Turf on the average golf course in their study sequestered as much as 450 kg (1000 pounds) C per acre per year, which is 1.5 to 3 times greater than soils under agricultural production.

Trees are perhaps the most emblematic and valuable individuals in landscapes. In part these valuable landscape elements provide shade, which in turn provides energy savings in shaded buildings. Trees absorb and store carbon and thus play a role in moderating global climate change.  Trees also mitigate landscape noise, and provide an aesthetic environment where people live.

Unfortunately, the average life span of trees in urban landscapes is only about seven years.  Though some studies have called for the survival statistics to be revised upward to 19-28 years, many urban trees still fail to establish or mature to serve their potential landscape functions. Research on sustaining trees in urban environments is more critical than ever as we rely on them for energy savings, carbon sequestration and the other benefits they add to urban landscapes.  It is imperative that we find ways to extend the lifespan of these critical landscape elements in urban settings.

Jim Downer is a UCCE Farm Advisor in Ventura County. His specialties include pathology of landscape ornamental, Phytophtohora Root Rot, Mulches, Potting soils, Palm horticulture, and Arboriculture. Additional information about his research can be found here.

Backyard conservation

The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) works extensively with the nation’s farmers and ranchers to protect soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources while meeting production goals.

Working with agricultural producers allows NRCS to promote conservation practices approximately 1.4 billion acres of the privately held land in the United States. About 92 million acres of land in our country is tended by home gardeners. In an effort to promote conservation on these lands, NRCS has partnered with other organizations to produce, Backyard Conservation: Bringing Conservation From the Countryside to Your Backyard.

This full-color and informative online resource highlights 10 conservation activities that can be used in your backyard, shared spaces, and public places too.

Topics include:

• Trees add beauty and so much more.
• Trees, shrubs, and other plants can provide homes and food for wildlife.
• A backyard pond will likely become the focal point for all your backyard conservation.
• Wetlands filter excess nutrients, chemicals, and sediment and provide habitat for a host of interesting creatures.
• Composting turns household wastes into valuable fertilizer.
• Mulching cools, protects, and enriches the soil.
• Apply only those nutrients the plants can use. (See our previous post on soil test kits to help you get accurate test results.)
• Terracing makes flower and vegetable gardening possible on steep slopes.
• Drip irrigation and other water conservation practices can save water and money.
• Early detection and treatment of pests means a healthier growing environment.

Backyard Conservation from NRCS can help people create beautiful and healthy environments! Photo from NRCS resource.

Nursery and Floriculture Alliance Education Programs

UC’s Nursery and Floriculture Alliance has many trainings scheduled, including several in Southern California. You can find program details on their website. 

Also on the site, you will find archived presentations available for viewing and links to resources to help growers conserve irrigation water and manage water quality issues.

The nursery and floriculture industry is big business in Ventura County. Even after experiencing a decline in sales during the recession, the most recent crop report lists nursery stock as our third highest value crop at $180,057,000 (down from $298,690,000 in 2007-2008). Cut flowers are in the number four spot and brought in $47,348,000 (down from $51,297,000 in 2007-2008).

This map shows where these crops are grown within the county.

Read more