Soil and Water Management
Browse past conference presentations highlighting research updates, best practices, and emerging trends in soil and water management across Utah and the Intermountain West.
Using Cover Crops to Improve Soil Health (2021)
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Description: Deciding which Cover Crop (CC) to use on the farm can be challenging. CC’s are used to improve soil fertility, control erosion, manage weeds, and improve crop productivity. This talk will introduce CC’s and how they can be integrated into a small farm.
Using Compost to Improve Soil Health (2021)
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Description: Heavy use of compost can be tempting, but can also increase soil salinity that affects crop productivity and lead to excessive nutrient build-up. This talk will discuss the importance of organic matter in soils, different types of compost, and adding just the right amount to balance efficient crop production with environmental sustainability.
What Are Salinity and pH and Why/How Do We Measure Them? (2021)
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Description: We will explore the conditions giving rise to soil salinity and alkalinity in Utah and other semi-arid areas of the Intermountain West and why/how we need/want to measure those conditions.
The Effects of Salinity and pH on Plant Nutrient Availability (2021)
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Description: We will explore the effects of soil salinity and high pH conditions on plant nutrient availability and uptake.
Fertilizer and Soil Amendment Selection and Use in Utah Soils (2021)
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Description: Growing and harvesting crops means that nutrients need to be replenished in the soil. This talk will discuss core concepts in soil fertility, understanding the fine print of fertilizers and amendments, selecting the right product for your needs, and determining exactly how much to add to the soil.
Understanding Your Irrigation System (2021)
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Description: This session provides techniques to determine how much water your sprinkler, surface, and drip irrigation systems are applying and the uniformity of application.
Managing Soil Moisture for Yield and Quality (2021)
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Description: This session will focus on maintaining soil moisture in a range that promotes the desired yield and quality of field and produce crops. It will include crop water use, irrigation scheduling, and soil water measurement.
Irrigation Best Management Practices (2021)
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Description: This session covers irrigation system design, operation, management, and maintenance. There will also information on the evaluation of irrigation systems.
Irrigation Solutions for Small Scale Growers (2022)
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Description: Water efficient irrigation practices, emphasis on drip irrigation. Choosing the proper components for a functional, practical, and efficient drip irrigation system on a smaller scale. Identify filter needs, pressure concerns, and correct emitter, drip line, etc...
Small Farm Neighbor Keeping Our Water Clean (2022)
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Description: Water is a limited resource in Utah, but we can all help protect our water quality. We offer best practices to help small farmers and neighborhood gardeners keep Utah’s waters healthy and clean. If you have a backyard garden, manage multiple acres, or own a variety of livestock, you can benefit your neighbors and Utah’s waters by following best practices to help prevent sharing pollutants, weeds, and disease. Grant opportunities are also available for projects that will improve the water quality on your property.
Managing Soil Salinity (2023)
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Description: This presentation provides practical guidance on identifying, managing, and preventing soil salinity issues to help growers protect crop performance and maintain long-term soil health.
Improving Water Management in Vegetables (2023)
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Description: This presentation focuses on effective water management strategies for vegetable production, offering techniques to optimize irrigation, improve efficiency, and support healthy, high-quality crops
Irrigation Scheduling Using Sensors (2023)
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Description: This presentation explains how to use soil moisture sensors and related tools for accurate irrigation scheduling, helping growers apply water more efficiently and improve crop performance
Utah Water Status and Outlook (2023)
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Description:Â This session will provide information on how the snowfall has affected the water status and the outlook for this year.
Irrigation Efficiency in Urban and Small Farm Settings (2023)
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Description: This presentation highlights practical strategies to improve irrigation efficiency in urban and small farm settings, focusing on technologies and techniques that conserve water while supporting productive crop growth
Small Plot Drip Irrigation Design (2023)
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Description: This presentation offers guidance on designing efficient drip irrigation systems for small plots, helping growers optimize water use, reduce waste, and support healthy crop development
Organic and Conventional Fertility Management: A Grower's Toolbox (2023)
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Description: This presentation explores practical tools and techniques for managing soil fertility in both organic and conventional systems, helping growers compare methods, improve nutrient management, and build productive, balanced soils
Interpreting Soil Test Results (2024)
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Description: This presentation guides growers through understanding and interpreting soil test results, enabling informed decisions about nutrient management, soil amendments, and long-term soil health
Advanced Soil Fertility (2024)
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Description: This presentation delves into advanced soil fertility concepts, offering growers deeper insights into nutrient interactions, soil biology, and management strategies that support high-performing, resilient cropping systems
2024 Water Outlook (2024)
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Description: This presentation provides an overview of the 2024 water outlook, highlighting anticipated water availability, climate influences, and key considerations growers should keep in mind for planning and resource management
Harmful Algal Blooms and Food Safety (2025)
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Description: We will discuss how harmful algal blooms (HABs) impact food safety in Utah, focusing on the risks of cyanotoxin contamination in irrigation water and its potential effects on fresh produce and other food products.
Produce Safety Rule Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Updated Rules and Requirements (2025)
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Description: This presentation outlines the updated Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water requirements under the Produce Safety Rule, helping growers understand new standards, assess risks, and implement practices that support compliance and safe produce handling
Irrigation Management and Water Quality (2025)
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Description: This presentation will review irrigation management best practices that promote crop yield and health, while also helping to mitigate negative effects on water quality. It will also review practices for managing salinity and other considerations for water quality.
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Irrigation Water Quality Sampling and Interpretation (2025)
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Description: This presentation provides an overview of the proper irrigation water quality sampling techniques, the relevant laboratory tests needed to evaluate irrigation water quality, the processes used to interpret the lab test data, and an exploration of the inherent sampling and analytical error one can expect for irrigation water quality analysis.
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Irrigation Water Filtration (2025)
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Description: Many irrigation systems, particularly small sprinklers and drip irrigation require filtration for proper maintenance and operation. This presentation will focus on filter technologies and selecting a proper filter for the urban or small farm. Filter sizing, mesh size, water source, and irrigation systems will be considered.
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Fertigation and Chemical Water Treatment (2025)
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Description: Many growers want to apply aqueous fertilizers through their irrigation systems to supply nutrients directly to the plants. Additionally, drip irrigation systems sometimes require chemical water treatment (for example, acids) to maintain the irrigation lines. Many of these fertilizers and chemicals meet organic standards. Â Fertigation and chemical injection principles and safety will be the primary topics covered.
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