California Conservation Tillage Workgroup

Established 1998

The purpose of the Conservation Tillage Workgroup is to 1) develop knowledge and exchange information on conservation tillage production systems, 2) coordinate related research and extension programs, 3) respond to needs for information on reduced tillage production alternatives, and 4) plan and conduct statewide and regional conferences, workshops and training demonstrations as well as produce UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) publications and internet materials that summarize research that the workgroup conducts. In addition, the Workgroup pursues means and opportunities for increasing the adoption of conservation tillage in California.

Mission, Goals and Contact Information

Workgroup Purpose, Structure and Operational Procedures:

The purpose of the DANR Conservation Tillage Workgroup is to 1) develop knowledge and exchange information on CT production systems, 2) coordinate related research and extension programs, 3) respond to needs for information on reduced tillage production alternatives, and 4) plan and conduct statewide and regional conferences, workshops and training demonstrations as well as produce UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) publications and internet materials that summarize research that the workgroup conducts. In addition to these information development and dissemination goals, we have also been pursuing means and opportunities for increasing the adoption of CT in California.

This workgroup directly addresses the following DANR program priorities:

1) Issue 1. Productivity and Efficiency of Agriculture. Actions 1, 2 and 3 by evaluating and developing comprehensive management systems for crop health and soil quality, and for potentially increasing the water use efficiency of a variety of cropping systems throughout the state by the use of reduced tillage practices.

2) Issue 3. Environmental Quality and Resource Conservation. Actions 1, 5 and 6 by evaluating and developing production systems that may improve input use efficiencies, conserve soil quality and reduce health and environmental risks from agriculture.

The Conservation Tillage Workgroup currently consists of very diverse CE, AES, USDA, private agency and student membership which has been coalesced via email communication, regional event coordination, statewide conferences and annual meetings. Our current membership includes over 950 farmer, University, NRCS, private sector, public agency and environmental group members.

Workgroup progress and program impact will be evaluated by 1) meeting attendance and participation by members, 2) post-conference / workshop questionnaires distributed to participants, 3) tallying the number of workgroup-sponsored regional events and the number of participants at each event, 4) tracking access to the workgroup’s web site and demand for DANR publication series materials that will be developed on CT, and other means.