Last Fall, Governor Newsom signed SB 659, The California Water Supply Solutions Act of 2023, sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the Regional Water Authority in Sacramento. But what does this mean for California farmers implementing groundwater recharge practices in the coming months? Watch this video with Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers to find out.
Tag: groundwater recharge methods
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Application Deadline Approaching for On-Farm Water Recharge Incentive Funding
It’s very important for California farmers to know that not only will there be more funding available in the next round of the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), but the application deadline is coming much earlier this year. And for growers that are interested in getting some incentive funding for participating in on-farm groundwater recharge, applications are due by Nov. 3rd. Watch this brief interview with Wendy Rash from NRCS to learn more.
Please thank this video’s sponsor afimilk for their industry support.
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California Walnut Grower Fallows Land for Water Recharge Purposes
Watch this brief video with Chowchilla walnut grower Mark Hutson who chose to fallow some of his land for groundwater recharge purposes last year, not knowing that he’d be able to put it to use so soon with the tremendous storm systems that came through this past winter and spring. Learn about his experience in utilizing NRCS grant funding to prepare his land for recharge, and consider whether some form of groundwater recharge will work on your farm in the near future.
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How This Farmer Returned 158 Acre-ft of Stormwater to the Soil in 10 Days
California has been blessed with a tremendous amount of snow and rainfall this spring. Coming after many dry years that have reduced our groundwater supply, farmers want to do all they can in this brief time of plenty to not only irrigate their drought-stressed trees and vines, but also recharge the groundwater supply beneath their fields. But how quickly can a farmer prepare his/her land to take on some of this snowmelt for groundwater recharge purposes and what will it require? Watch this video featuring Madera grape and nut grower Jennifer Peters, who in a very short time was able to install an on-farm groundwater recharge basin and capture much of this stormwater.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.
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Exploring Different Options for On-Farm Groundwater Recharge
While they can’t make it rain, California water districts and farmers are finding creative ways to be a part of the solution to severe drought conditions and subsiding groundwater levels by sinking water back into the earth during the “wet season”. Watch this brief interview with Chase Hurley from Triangle T Water District as he shares some success stories and different ways growers and water districts can approach groundwater recharge.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
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Is Overwinter Orchard Flooding a Good Option for Groundwater Recharge?
While California farmers are taking more interest in opportunities for on-farm groundwater recharge to mitigate the effects of the drought, some tree nut growers may be hesitant to the idea of flooding their orchards over the winter months, concerned it may have a negative impact on the health of their trees and practices, such as cover cropping. The Almond Board recently released a groundwater recharge guide to address some of these concerns. Watch this brief interview with Jesse Roseman from the Almond Board as he shares some insights from the guide and positive results from recent studies on the topic. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
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NRCS Incentive Funding for On-farm Groundwater Recharge Projects
As drought conditions persist in California, farmers are making the most of every drop of water they use. However, there may be more they can do during the rainy season to put water back into the ground with assistance of the USDA-NRCS. Watch this brief interview with California Water Quality Specialist Wendy Rash to find out.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
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Vineyards Serve as Ideal Groundwater Recharging Sites
As Californians are concerned about heading into another drought, grape growers may be able to assist in replenishing our depleting groundwater supplies during these stormy months. Watch this brief interview with William Horwath from UC Davis and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.