SoCal Urban Food Production Blog

Your go-to hub for all things urban agriculture and sustainable water use in Southern California.

Whether you're growing food on a balcony, leading a community garden, or curious about cutting-edge farming techniques, this blog is packed with insights, resources, and inspiration. Discover the latest research on hydroponics, water-smart farming, soil health, and more. Get practical how-to guides, explore real-world case studies, and connect with local events, experts, and funding opportunities.

Brought to you by UC Cooperative Extension, this is where innovation meets community—let’s grow together! 🌱🍅💧
#UrbanAg #SoCalGrows #WaterSmartFarming #SustainableCities #UFPBlog

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Comparative analysis of different biodegradable mulch uses in hill-side strawberry production

September 10, 2025

By Amrita Mukherjee, Esther N Lofton

IntroductionPlastic film (PF) is widely used in crop production, yet global environmental concerns urge for reduced plastic waste. Biodegradable and bio-based mulches emerge as promising alternatives, potentially crucial for sustainable agriculture. This significance is emphasized by the hypothesis…

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Share Your Insights, Receive a Free Water & Nutrient Efficiency Checkup!

August 8, 2025

By Amrita Mukherjee, Esther N Lofton

UC Davis and UCANR, with support from the CDFA’s Water-Energy Technology Assistance (WETA) program, are inviting California protected agriculture growers—whether hydroponic, using drip irrigation, liquid feed fertilizers, or recycling water—to take a short survey on water and nutrient management. The 15–20…

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Tertiary Treated Water: A Key to Sustainable Urban Farming

May 21, 2025

By Amrita Mukherjee, Esther N Lofton

Tertiary treated water is a safe and sustainable option for irrigating crops in urban agriculture. It helps reduce reliance on freshwater while supporting healthy soil and crop growth. This post explains the treatment process, benefits, and best practices for using reclaimed water in farming.

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Enhance Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency for Controlled Environment Agriculture

May 7, 2025

By Amrita Mukherjee, Esther N Lofton

UC Davis and UCANR are conducting a research study to enhance water and nutrient use efficiency in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities, focusing greenhouses and indoor vertical farms. This initiative, supported by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), will…

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Water Quality Requirements for Urban Food Production and Hydroponics

January 28, 2025

By Esther N Lofton, Amrita Mukherjee

Urban food production and hydroponic systems are gaining traction in Southern California driven by Increasing interest in local food sources, sustainability, and the efficient use of space and resources.

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