Abstract

The purpose of the project is to develop an analysis of the current irrigation practices of the strawberry growers on the Central Coast of California. The primary research evaluation is during the establishment of transplants where sprinklers are used even though drip irrigation is available. This project has targeted the impacts of salinity on the young strawberry transplants.

The specific objectives of the project are to: (1) Set up a research areas and control plots on a demonstration scale, (2) determine the key factors that affect the problems in early growth of transplanted strawberries, (3) determine relationships between the use of irrigation water and the control of salinity, and (4) provide a multi-year analysis to determine long term salinity impacts on yields.

This project examines the motives, methods, and need for sprinklers on strawberries. The overall goal of the project is to conserve water by minimizing or eliminating sprinkler use on strawberries. The project is designed to study the current practice and determine the conditions where growers can change these practices. By minimizing sprinkler use, water is conserved, money is saved by pumping less water, and runoff is reduced. This project targets drought management as well as target runoff as a potential source on contaminants reaching waterways.

Disciplines

Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering

Number of Pages

126

COinS
 

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/bae_fac/130