Agromin, along with several other local agricultural stakeholders, is proud to be participating in a study funded by a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to demonstrate the benefits of soil health and “carbon farming” practices in Ventura County.
Throughout this project, we will work alongside the Ventura County Resource Conservation District, Limoneira Company, Community Environmental Council (CEC) and UC Cooperative Extension with a goal of building regional agricultural resilience in the face of climate extremes.
We already know organic soil has the ability to make a significant impact when it comes to conserving water, supporting plant growth and fighting climate change, and this study will help us clearly quantify those benefits and work together as a community to advance the use of compost and mulch, helping to protect our planet through sustainable agricultural practices.
To conduct the study, researchers will apply mulch and compost to a young citrus orchard owned by Limoneira, and then diligently monitor soil metrics, water use, plant health and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, we hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how mulch and compost can improve soil health, reduce atmospheric carbon and support the local agricultural economy.
The work for this research grant will span three years and is expected to begin in late summer or early fall of 2019. Throughout the project, educational field days will be held for the general public, policymakers, and local farmers and ranchers, to provide opportunities for regional stakeholders to observe the benefits of organic soil firsthand. The Limoneira site will also be part of the 2019 Ventura County Farm Day, during which the general public is invited to visit the site, ask questions and learn more.
This project is one of many similar studies supported by the California Healthy Soils Program. We look forward to taking part in these efforts and working toward a healthy, sustainable agricultural future for Ventura County.