08/14/2026
Rain or shine, hot or not, our staff are out collecting data in all conditions in support of research to benefit our communities.
Luckily, it cooled off this week for our Local Food Systems Advisor, Hardeep Singh (Foothills Farm Advisor), to collect data in his walnut irrigation trials—which he has to do at the hottest time of day—to evaluate reduced irrigation and the use of biochar as a soil amendment. Our Area Director, Ariel Rivers, joined him for a fun afternoon in the orchard today.
Together, they tested a variety of soil and plant parameters to understand whether the walnuts are showing any water stress if irrigation starts later in the season, and with fewer irrigation events throughout the season. The results are still preliminary, but Hardeep’s research is showing the potential for significant water savings, with no observable yield decreases where irrigation is withheld. These results could potentially save local producers time, money, and energy, in addition to the water, all of which could improve livelihoods locally.
This work is partially funded by a Conservation Innovation Grant from USDA-NRCS, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to develop practical research for our local producers. Follow Foothills Farm Advisor for more updates, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter (link in bio) to learn about the work of UCCE across the Central Sierra!
UC Ag & Natural Resources
