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California - Lockeford Plant Materials Center Highlights

Highlights

COVER CROPS and SOIL HEALTH:

Develop conservation technology through use of plant materials to enhance sustainability of California agriculture

  • Promote use of cover crops, for soil health, water and air quality through dissemination of information, demonstrations and collaboration with NRCS Field Offices, Resource Conservation Districts, University of California and California State University systems, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Federal Agencies including the Agricultural Research Service, non-profit organizations, seed producers and private landowners.
  • Conduct studies with cover crops and conservation cover to select appropriate plant materials and develop best management practices for soil health and increased soil organic matter with concurrent improvements to air and water quality.

WATER AND AIR QUALITY IN AGRICULTURE

Improve agricultural resilience with climate change

  • Develop drought tolerant cover crop mixtures and alternatives adapted to California cropping systems under increased climate stress.
  • Selection of plant materials for efficacy in improving water quality and quantity through increased infiltration and water holding capacity with NRCS practices for California cropping systems.
  • Study adaptation of windbreak and hedgerow species.

WILDLIFE RESOURCES AND POLLINATOR HABITAT

Enhance habitat for ecological function

  • Develop and promote technology for establishment and maintenance of habitat for pollinators; including native and European bees, Monarch butterflies, and beneficial insects, through use of cover crops, conservation cover and hedgerows in collaboration with non-profits including the Xerces Society and Project ApisM and the University of California.
  • Maintain native plants foundation seed stocks including CAPMC releases for use in rangelands, restoration and agricultural land retirement. 

INDIGENOUS STEWARDSHIP METHODS

Restore and improve ecological function

  • Work with Native American groups to demonstrate methods and techniques for local propagation and maintenance of native plants of cultural significance.
  • Support tribes and NRCS in cultural burns for management of the fire adapted California landscape.