This workshop will take an in-depth look at utilizing compost and cover crops for healthier soil and

pollinator habitat improvements. There will also be a Q&A panel that will answer questions and concerns

surrounding these practices.

AGENDA:

9:45 - 10:00am Registration

10:00 - 10:10am Welcome and Introductions

10:10 - 10:30am Soil Health in Orchards Research Data

Alexia Cooper, Graduate Researcher on CIG Project, Environmental

Systems Graduate Group, UC Merced

Brief introduction into the soil health practices of cover crops and compost in

orchard systems. These practices have been implemented in five sites along the

Central Valley in almonds, pistachios and walnuts, we will cover the first year

trends in available nitrogen, tree health responses, and yields.

10:30 - 10:50am Compost as a soil amendment - a grower and industry perspective

Thomas Fantozzi - Product Sales Manager, Synagro and Producer

General information on the uses/benefits of compost, cost/benefit analysis of

using compost, when to apply, considerations around different types of compost,

and different methods of applying compost. Thomas will also cover other

commonly used soil amendments that growers apply with compost (Gyp, lime,

etc) as well as some of the innovative and non-traditional ways that compost is

being applied in the field (such as in row crops).

10:50 - 11:00 am BREAK

11:00 - 11:20am Improving Pollinator and Soil Health While Meeting Sustainability Goals

with Cover Crops and Habitat

Billy Synk, Pollinator Habitat Specialist, Pollinator Partnership

Billy will cover why habitat is important to pollinators as it relates to the ag

community and consuming public. He will address tips for planting cover crops,

cover crop termination, permanent habitat, and go over some programs to help

adopt these practices.

11:20 - 12:00pm Q&A panel with the presenters addressing pressing questions around

compost and cover crops. Come with your questions!