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In November 1997, the CIWMB initiated a contract with the University of California at
Riverside (UCR) for a two-year continuation of a demonstration and research project using
mulch and compost in Southern California. The area of investigation was expanded to
include field plots in Ventura (past and present work), Santa Barbara, San Diego, and
Riverside counties for a total of four commercial avocado and three commercial citrus
sites. CIWMB funding, which totaled $87,500 plus cash or equipment contributions from
three local governments (City of Los Angeles, County of Santa Barbara, and City of San
Diego), allowed project staff to conduct research at the seven mulch and compost
demonstration sites using products made primarily from municipal yard trimmings. Two Board
publications are available:
Goals
- Evaluate Phytophthora root rot suppression in California avocado and citrus
orchards.
- Collect data on mulch and compost as surface applications under young and old trees.
- Characterize plant available nutrients and other properties of these recycled-content
products and their effects on avocado and citrus production.
Partnership Organizations
- Fiscal Agent
: University of California, Riverside.- Project Director
: John Menge, UCR Department of Plant Pathology.- Key Partners
: Ventura County UC Cooperative Extension, UCR Dept. of Environmental
Science, Debonne Ranch Management, Pommer Ranch, Essick Ranch, Vedder Ranch, Powell Ranch,
Vanoni Ranch, Sprinkling Ranch, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Resource
Conservation District of Greater San Diego County.
Project Components:
- Partnership Development and Implementation of Work Plan
. The partnership team
developed a work plan for evaluating the use of mulch and compost in commercial avocado
and citrus production. Tasks performed included investigating pneumatic spreading of
materials, evaluation of tree growth and yield, effect of mulching on soil moisture and
weed suppression, and the impact on Phytophthora root rot relative to mulch or
compost use through 1998.- Development and Dissemination of Information.
During the course of the project, the
partnership developed and disseminated several news releases and trade publication
articles. The principal researchers plan to publish articles in scientific journals.- Coordination of Field Days.
The partnership team conducted four field days at
multiple demonstration sites and one compost workshop for growers during the course of the
contract in the four-county project area.- Reporting and Publishing Results
. During the course of the project, the partnership
team leader reported on progress of the research project and submitted a final report on
the avocado and citrus demonstration.
Purpose
- Demonstrate the value of mulch and compost use in avocado and citrus production.
- Increase the field research plot locations and build upon the data accumulated in the
previous three years of research on growth, yield, and disease suppression.
- Disseminate the results of the project to commercial avocado and citrus growers.
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