We’re excited to share the latest progress on our research into livestock integration and cover crop grazing in organic nut orchards across California! Field trials are now underway in eight orchards spanning three distinct regions, utilizing a randomized block design to ensure robust and reliable results.

In Fall 2024, our talented team of researchers from the Pires, Gaudin, and Wilson labs conducted comprehensive baseline field sampling. These efforts are laying the groundwork for three years of groundbreaking research aimed at unlocking the potential of these innovative practices. Our focus? Evaluating how livestock grazing on cover crops influences bacterial populations, soil health, pest management, and economic outcomes—all while prioritizing food safety.

What's Next?

In Spring 2025, our team will build on this foundation with detailed sampling efforts timed around grazing events:

• Pre- and Post-Grazing Sampling (Pires Lab): Soil and plant tissue will be collected before grazing begins and at key intervals after grazing (days 30, 90, 120, and 150).
• Soil Health Monitoring (Gaudin Lab): Soil samples will be analyzed seven days post-grazing to capture early changes in soil dynamics.
• Nut Remnant Studies (Wilson Lab): Remnant nuts will be collected both before and after grazing to evaluate pest management outcomes.

The Impact

This first-year data will be crucial in understanding the persistence of pathogens in soil, the role of remnant nuts in pest control, and the broader trade-offs and benefits to soil health. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the ecological and economic value of livestock integration while minimizing food safety risks in organic nut orchards.

Stay tuned for more updates as we work toward shaping a sustainable future for California’s organic agriculture!