Agricultural research
UC Davis scientists receive sustainable water use award
UC Davis experts are part of a team of plant scientists honored by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities for helping growers throughout California and the west save time, money, and water.
Genome sequencing helps boost drought and disease resistant beans
UC Davis plant scientist Paul Gepts is developing beans that thrive with less water.
“If you can grow the same amount of beans with less water…that’s a big contribution.”
Voices from the drought
Hear how cattle ranchers are coping with the water shortage in our podcast series, Voices From the Drought.
Produced by the Rangeland Watershed Laboratory, UC Davis Plant Sciences Department.
Tips for cattle health and safety during dry times
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is sharing some critical tips about how to keep livestock healthy during the drought. Details in the Green Blog from the UC Division of Agriculture and National Resources.
Water shortages take toll on state's alfalfa yields
Alfalfa growers expect fewer cuttings and corresponding lower yields this summer.
Blaine Hanson, UC Davis irrigation specialist, has some tips on how alfalfa farmers can cope with less water.
Why California's agriculture needs groundwater management
The state's agricultural prosperity increasingly depends on groundwater availability during drought.
UC Davis researchers from the Center for Watershed Sciences explain the key issues for groundwater sustainability in this California WaterBlog post.
Drought may cost $740 million in crop losses, more than 14,500 jobs in Central Valley
More than 410,000 acres of crops could be fallowed according to a UC Davis study.
UC Davis plant sciences research aims to boost California wheat output
Professor Jorge Dubcovsky is leading 13 graduate students to develope grain varieties that are more drought tolerant and resistant to disease.
Dairies, water-use and the drought
Veterinarian Mike Payne with the Western Institute for Food Safety outlines the dairy industry’s approach to saving water during the drought.
New online series explains water management and agriculture challenges
Check out this water and drought video series produced by the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Learn about irrigation strategies for fruit and nut crops, rice and tomatoes, plus groundwater management under drought conditions.
Extreme drought may predict plant responses to climate change
A team from the Department of Environmental Science and Policy and the Department of Plant Sciences is working to predict how plants respond to extra dry conditions now and in the future.
Fruit and Nut Center helps growers optimize irrigation
Researchers are using a pressure chamber system and a new interactive website to help pinpoint ideal watering schedules.