Through the Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative, UC ANR advisors, specialists, and Staff Research Associates (SRAs) work with growers and consultants throughout the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast to deliver educational content, training, and consultations. The NII is a collaboration of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of California, Davis.

Our Approach

We work directly with growers, farm employees and consultants to improve nitrogen use and irrigation efficiencies. UC ANR County Advisors and specially-hired employees collaborate with growers to deliver science-based, practical information for on-farm nitrogen and water management. 

Program Offerings

Grower Consultations

We support growers through individualized on-farm grower consultations to make recommendations and assist with implementation of recommended practices such as soil and leaf sampling, nitrogen budgeting, irrigation maintenance, and measuring nitrogen in irrigation water. Growers eligible to self-certify their Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plan Worksheets in the San Joaquin Valley can also receive one hour of Continuing Education each year for participating in an NII consultation.

Training Events

We host webinars, workshops, field days, trainings, and one-on-one field visits to increase knowledge and skills of enhanced nitrogen and irrigation practices, which emphasize how adopting new practices can increase on-farm efficiency. 

Educational Resources

We develop printed materials, videos, blogs, and infographics to share with growers who can use them in applying best principles and practices for nitrogen management. 

On-Farm Trials

We coordinate on-farm demonstrations to promote locally-tailored solutions for irrigation and nitrogen management practices that conserve resources and improvement efficiency.