April 4, 2016

A groundwater recharge study was initiated in an almond block in the southern San Joaquin Valley in February 2016.  Funded by the Almond Board of California, the goal of the study is to determine whether surface water applications will successfully recharge aquifers without adverse effect on orchard health and productivity. Biweekly stem water potential measurements are made by our local UCCE Tulare County nut extension program researchers and staff.  Our grower cooperator is hoping for a surface water allocation in May 2016 in order to impose the appropriate irrigation treatments on the block. 

Elizabeth Fichtner, UCCE Farm Advisor, bags shoots for midday stem water potential measurements during bloom.

Sabrine Dhaouadi, UCCE Junior Specialist, uses the pressure chamber to measure stem water potential.