Jesse Landesman, a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellow at UC-Santa Barbara, is developing a modeling framework to assess soil salinization risk in California avocado groves as part of her doctoral research. The project will examine how climate, soil type and irrigation water quality influence salinization risk and avocado chloride uptake when trees are exposed to saline irrigation water. The end goal is to create a decision-making tool for California avocado growers that will assist them in mitigating the effects of soil salinization in existing orchards as well as identifying potential new orchard locations at lower risk for salinization.
For this CAC-funded project to be successful, it is critical California avocado growers provide data that will assist in the development of the modeling framework. Below is a list of data the project is seeking from growers. While it would be beneficial if growers could provide all the data noted below, Ms. Landesman recognizes growers may not have all the data at hand and appreciates any data she can collect to develop the decision-making tool.
Metadata
- Orchard location. Please provide information that is as precise as possible (ideally latitude and longitude). This data will be used to extract a detailed climate history and match it to maps of bedrock and soil type across California, both of which are important for salinization risk.
- Approximate age of the orchard.
- Prior use of this location (if known).
- Source of irrigation water.
- Method of irrigation.
- Frequency of irrigation.
Data
- Irrigation water quality, specifically salinity and/or concentrations of salt ions such as chloride.
- Soil salinity and/or concentration of ions (e.g., chloride) in the soil.
- Soil texture and underlying rock type where soil samples were measured (if available).
- Approximate soil organic matter (SOM). For example, is there one inch of duff directly around the tree or is it everywhere? Do you notice any patterns of variability in SOM?
- Historical and current data.
Growers can submit their data via email to [email protected]. Growers also are welcome to reach out to Ms. Landesman with any questions they may have at 626.240.9169.