This publication will help walnut growers reduce offsite movement of pesticides in surface water. Covered is the current regulatory approach to surface water protection; background information on the safe and effective use of pesticides, integrated pest management, and handling runoff water. Included are flowcharts for specific management practices and orchard conditions that can help you undertake a self-assessment of the potential risk of offsite movement. When followed systematically from beginning to end, the flowcharts will guide you through a step-by-step evaluation of your operation to identify potential problem areas. After completing the self assessment you can understand and implement management practices to address problem areas.

This publication discusses the variables and feasibility of storage of winter rainwater in order to avoid impact by the Irrigated Lands Conditional Waiver under the California State Water Code.

Matching the sprinkler application rate to the soil intake rate is difficult and complex. This publication discusses three approaches to determine the design application rate of a sprinkler irrigation system to the soil intake rate.

A helpful guide on reducing agricultural runoff from irrigated properties caused by irrigation practices or winter rainfall.

This publication will help alfalfa growers reduce offsite movement of pesticides in surface water. Covered is the current regulatory approach to surface water protection; background information on the safe and effective use of pesticides, integrated pest management, and handling runoff water. Included are flowcharts for specific management practices and field conditions that can help you undertake a self-assessment of the potential risk of offsite movement. When followed systematically from beginning to end, the flowcharts will guide you through a step-by-step evaluation of your operation to identify potential problem areas. After completing the self assessment you can understand and implement management practices to address problem areas.

Excess irrigation water that runs off a farm field (“tailwater”) is regulated by California law, since it may be carrying sediments, nutrients, and agricultural chemicals. Learn about options for safely recycling tailwater back into your farm operation.

A soil's physical and chemical properties determine whether it is vulnerable to erosion, which can reduce soil quality and cause other problems besides. Learn the basics of identifying what type of erosion is affecting your land and what's causing it.

Minimizing the application of excess water requires knowing when and how much water to apply. Flow measurement is most easily done in a pipeline; this publication describes the four most commonly used flowmeters, their maintenance, and uses.

If you experience runoff from an existing sprinkler-irrigated orchard, changing the design and set-up of the sprinkler system, the management of the sprinkler system, or the management of the orchard floor may reduce the amount.

Minimizing runoff from surface irrigation is a balance between adequate irrigation and tailwater runoff. This publication discusses how surface runoff can occur and management methods that can minimize the amount of water leaving a property.