Agriculture
CIMIS Station Data and Irrigation Efficiency Links
Local CIMIS Station Data
CIMIS (California Irrigation Management Information System) is an integrated network of more than 120 computerized weather stations throughout California. The primary purpose of CIMIS is to make information available to the public, free of charge, to improve irrigation scheduling by calculating water use of local crops based on daily weather information. Each CIMIS station records a wide range of useful weather information that will help growers estimate how much water is needed by their crops on a daily basis.
There are four CIMIS stations within the Pajaro Valley area:
- CIMIS station #104 (De Laveaga)
- CIMIS station #129 (Pajaro)
- CIMIS station #209 (Watsonville West - near San Andreas Road)
Click here to access CIMIS information.
For detailed information on the state's CIMIS program, and to sign up for free access to local, customized CIMIS information, click the link above to visit the Department of Water Resources CIMIS website.
Irrigation Efficiency Links
Local Information and Resources
PV Water Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation Rebate
The Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency is working with partners to provide resources that support agricultural water users in their efforts to conserve water and improve their water use efficiency. Technical and financial assistance is available to support growers in their efforts to increase irrigation efficiency by improving the operation of their irrigation system and optimizing their irrigation scheduling. Assistance available to growers includes:
- Irrigation system efficiency evaluations including an assessment of pressure levels, water leaks, distribution uniformity, and a confidential report.
- Rebates and technical assistance for making expert-recommended improvements to the irrigation system. Growers may receive up to $5,000 in rebates.
- Irrigation scheduling optimization including expert training and rebate money to use tools that provide information like crop evapotranspiration rates and soil moisture levels to inform irrigation scheduling.
Water Management in Cool Season Vegetables
Provides basic recommendations for improving irrigation management.
Santa Clara Valley Water District- Agricultural Efficiency
This page contains valuable information and links focused on agricultural efficiency.
Handbook for Agricultural Water Use Efficiency
Four part handbook for growers and irrigators which provides step-by-step instructions for:
- Assessing irrigation system and distribution uniformity
- Irrigation scheduling and evapotranspiration
- Soil moisture monitoring
- Setting irrigation run times
Statewide Information and Resources
California Irrigation Institute
A non-profit organization described as the oldest independent forum on water and irrigation. Provides access to a wide range of presentations and reports given at their annual events.
Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT)- CSU Fresno
Described as an independent research and testing facility to assist designers, engineers, and users of irrigation equipment.
California State University Agricultural Research Initiative- Irrigation Technology
Described as a comprehensive applied agricultural and environmental research program joining the CSU's four colleges of agriculture and the state's agriculture and natural resources industries and allied business communities. The goal is to foster the development and evaluation of new and promising technologies that have the potential for improving food safety, environmental stewardship, economic performance, and long-term sustainability of California's agriculture industry.
Department of Water Resources, Ag Water Use Program
The Office of Water Use Efficiency works to disseminate and transfer information on improved irrigation technologies and to identify and help develop technologies and farming methods that improve water use efficiency. Contains links to a number of state websites related to ag water use.
Local Agricultural Research and Data
Crop Type
Nurseries
Nutrient Management Goals and Management Practices for Nursery and Floriculture: Farm Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.11 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series. 2004.
Strawberries
Nutrient Management Goals and Management Practices for Strawberries
Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.14 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series. 2004.
Sediment Management Goals and Management Practices for Strawberries
Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.12 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series. 2004.
Vegetables
Nutrient Management Goals and Management Practices for Cool-Season Vegetables:
Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.4 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series.
More information for different crop types coming soon. Thank you.
Water Quality
Nutrient Research- Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Environmental Studies Department UC Santa Cruz
Local research and water quality data for Pajaro and Elkhorn Slough areas as well as local farm extension work.
Water Quality Fact Sheets
Assembled by local water agencies, this series of fact sheets list basic steps to take to reduce the amount of water and fertilizers used in our local area. Also available in Spanish.
Fact Sheet 1- Fertilizer Management for Cool-Season Vegetables
Fact Sheet 2- On Farm Handling of Fertilizers
Fact Sheet 3- Water Management for Cool-Season Vegetables
Fact Sheet 4- Using Nitrate Present in Soil/Water in Fertilizer Calculations
Fact Sheet 5- On Farm Nitrogen Determination Sap, Soil and Water