California Agriculture, August 1962

Volume 16, Number 8

research articles

Redwood Physiology: Key to Recreational Management in Redwood State Parks
by E. C. STONE , R. B. VASEY
pp2-3, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p2
Abstract
Soil compaction problems from increased recreational loads in the State's redwood parks are causing increasing concern for the health of these unique forest giants. New highway construction, logging activities and periodic flooding through the groves can also cause conditions detrimental to the trees. Preliminary studies reported here indicate that radical root pruning and replacement of the compacted soil may be a practical method of revitalizing redwood trees after heavy recreational use.
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FROST PROTECTION with multiple wind machine-heater units
by T. V. CRAWFORD , A. S. LEONARD
pp4-6, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p4
Abstract
Spacing wind machine-heater units close enough together to allow an overlapping effect offers more efficient frost protection than is possible with single isolated installations. A spacing interval of 300 feet is probably the optimum for most conditions, according to last year's tests with nine ground-level revolving units, producing 60 pounds thrust and burning 20 gallons of diesel fuel per hour.
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Delayed Harvest INCREASES Sugar Yields IN CUYAMA VALLEY
by H. HALL , F. J. HILLS
pp7, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p7
Abstract
Low sugar content, despite high root tonnage, has characterized sugar beet production for several years in the Cuyama Valley, of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Field trials indicate that large amounts of nitrogen available at the usual harvest time may be responsible. The sudden presence of this nitrogen is probably accounted for by the decomposition of previous crop residues as soil temperatures increase in late summer. However, as a result of this ample supply of nitrogen, beet root yields increased 1.6 tons per acre each week from August 16 (normal first harvest date) to November 10 and sugar production increased 2 1/2 tons for a total of 6 tons of sugar produced per acre at this later harvest date.
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Armillaria Root Rot Fungus Controlled with Methyl Bromide Soil Fumigation
by J. H. LARUE , A. O. PAULUS , W. D. WILBUR , H. J. O'REILLY , E. F. DARLEY
pp8-9, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p8
Abstract
Soil fumigation with methyl bromide applied under a polyethylene tarp at 2 pounds per 100 square feet of soil, controlled Armillaria root rot fungus in Tulare County tests.
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Drainage by PUMPED WELLS An Investigation on the West Side of the San Joaquin Valley
by J. L. MEYER , L. WERENFELS , V. H. SCOTT , J. N. LUTHIN , M. ABU-ZIED
pp10-12, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p10
Abstract
Investigations on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley indicate that wells carefully located at sites of good aquifer characteristics can be pumped effectively to control water tables over a limited area. Previous experience by local irrigation districts had led to the belief that drainage by pumped wells was unreliable in this area of fine-textured alluvial soils of sedimentary origin. However, this type of drainage can become physically feasible where there are no perched or confined water tables. Application of this method depends on economic considerations, such as the possibility of reusing the water.
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FARM ENTERPRISE Accounting and Management
by ARTHUR SHULTIS
pp12-13, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p12
Abstract
Enterprise accounting is a system providing a separate profit statement and cost analysis for each crop and kind of livestock in the total farm business. These statements show the contribution of profit or loss each enterprise makes toward the total farm profit. But more important, the detailed information made available on production, income, inputs and costs allows the analysis and study of each enterprise with the possibility for discovering changes to make it more profitable. As part of this analysis, comparisons can be made with the sample schedules of inputs and costs on important crops that are available at local Agricultural Extension offices.
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SOIL TYPE AND WATER MANAGEMENT Essential Considerations for Citrus Plantings Irrigated with Colorado River Water
by R. B. HARDING , T. M. RYAN
pp14-15, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p14
Abstract
Although Colorado River water has been used for irrigating various crops in southern California for many years, careful consideration to soil type and water management is especially important to successful use for new citrus plantings. The Colorado is the principal source of water for the Imperial and Coachella valleys and is being used increasingly for crop production in San Diego and western Riverside counties.
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GROWTH REGULATORS FOR GRAIN CROPS
Editors
pp15, doi#10.3733/ca.v016n08p15
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