The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) will host its Annual Irrigation and Nutrient Management Meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The event will take place at the Agriculture Conference Room, 1432 Abbott St., Salinas, California, from 7:55 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Organizers highlight that the meeting is an opportunity for participants to learn about current research in water and nutrient management and to hear directly from growers about implementing new practices. “We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Irrigation and Nutrient Management Meeting. This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest research in water and nutrient management and hear grower perspectives on implementing new practices.”
The agenda includes presentations by university researchers, local experts, and growers. Topics range from increasing cover crop opportunities in vegetable systems on the Central Coast, evaluated by Richard Smith of UCCE Monterey County, to the use of OpenET satellite measurements for crop water use in the Salinas Valley presented by Lee Johnson from CSU Monterey Bay/NASA.
Additional sessions address demand planning frameworks for groundwater sustainability in the Salinas Valley with Piret Harmon and Emily Gardner of the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency; nitrogen mineralization estimates from organic sources by Daniel Geisseler of UC Davis; as well as practical tips for monitoring nitrate levels led by Michael Cahn of UCCE Monterey.
Sarah Lopez and Suzette Santiago from Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc will discuss regulatory progress under Ag Order requirements for the coming year. Scott Park of Park Farming Organics will offer insights into natural system approaches based on his experience as a Sacramento Valley grower.
A panel discussion with Kyle Harman (Braga Farming), Saul Lopez (D’Arrigo Brothers), and Zach McDermont (Taylor Farming) will focus on reduced tillage implementation in vegetable production systems.
Lunch featuring pizza and salad will be provided free of charge. The afternoon session includes a Cover Crop Field Day at D’Arrigo Ranch 22 with Michael Cahn (UCCE Monterey) and Eric Brennan (USDA-ARS Salinas).
Spanish translation services will be available during the meeting.
Registration is required for attendance.
