- Simple, Sensual and Contemporary
- Water Ways: More with Less?
- New Global Image
- ARB Greenhouse Gas Scoping Plan Passed
- Research Reinforces the NOW – Aflatoxin Link
- ABC Partners with LAHIDAN
- Government Affairs: European Commission Assesses Aflatoxin Controls
- The Stage Is Set for Third-Generation Variety Trials
- Almond Board Election Under Way
FEBRUARY
10 International Committee Meeting 9:30AM 11 PR and Advertising Committee 10:00AM 24 Production Research Committee 9:30AM 26 Almond Board of California Meeting 9:30AM
MARCH
3 Environmental Committee 9:30AM 4 International Committee 9:30AM 10 Food Quality & Safety Committee 1:00PM
Water Ways
MORE WITH LESS?
CALIFORNIA ALMONDS concludes its series on recent studies likely to play a role in future water policy and infrastructure decisions with a look at perhaps the most controversial study related to agricultural water use and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
A study released in September 2008 by the Pacific Institute of Oakland, a think-tank emphasizing environmental issues, focuses on reducing agricultural water usage in California.
Called “More with Less: Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency in California—A Special Focus on the Delta,” the analysis concludes that California farmers can grow more food and fiber with less water by shifting to high value, less-water-intensive crops and adopting advanced irrigation management techniques, thus reducing agricultural water withdrawals from the Delta.
It does not account, however, for market realities and economies that dictate what crops are grown in California. Nor does it acknowledge the significant strides California farmers have made in the last 20 years, and continue to make, to dramatically increase water use efficiency through irrigation scheduling and management, micro-irrigation and other techniques.
Click here for the full report.
While no federal or state regulatory standards for irrigation water exist, recommendations based on California surveys indicate a guidance level of 1000 fecal coliform or 126 generic E. coli per 100 ml of water as an action threshold. If levels exceed this threshold, (1) temporarily increase testing (2) attempt to determine the cause (3) seek professional advice to determine if corrective actions are needed.
