This publication provides direction on estimating soil moisture by the "feel and appearance" method; taking a some soil and rolling it up in a ball then squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger to form a ribbon and noting how it appears and feels. Compare what you see with photographs and/or charts to estimate percent water available and the inches depleted below field capacity.
Independent of which system or mix of systems a grower uses, irrigation management can be challenging. An irrigation program must match the changing demands of the crop with the water supplied.
Presenter: Heather Medina Sauceda, Assistant Conservationist for Field Operations in Southwestern Oregon, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Interviewer: Monica, DIVE4Ag Teens as Teachers
For blueberry growers, water management is a key to success. The goal is to apply the correct amount of water at the right time to minimize irrigation costs and maximize crop production and economic return.
Excessive summer irrigation of oak and madrone trees may promote fungal diseases such as the oak root fungus (aka armillaria root disease) and crown rot.