CIMIS Station Data and Irrigation Efficiency Links
Local CIMIS Station Data
CIMIS (California Irrigation Management Information System) is an integrated network of more than 120 computerized weather stations throughout California. The primary purpose of CIMIS is to make information available to the public, free of charge, to improve irrigation scheduling by calculating water use of local crops based on daily weather information. Each CIMIS station records a wide range of useful weather information that will help growers estimate how much water is needed by their crops on a daily basis.
There are four CIMIS stations within the Pajaro Valley area:
- CIMIS station #104 (De Laveaga)
- CIMIS station #111 (Green Valley)
- CIMIS station #129 (Pajaro)
- CIMIS station #209 (Watsonville West - near San Andreas Road)
For detailed information on the state's CIMIS program, and to sign up for free access to local, customized CIMIS information, click the link above to visit the Department of Water Resources CIMIS website.
Irrigation Efficiency Links
Local Information and Resources
PVWMA Irrigation Efficiency Evaluation Rebate
Irrigation system efficiency evaluations are currently available to growers in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties through a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) grant. The value of each evaluation is about $2,000 but the cost to the grower is just $500. However, as a PVWMA customer, the cost is even lower. The agency is offering an additional $250 incentive to growers for having their system evaluated. Plus an additional $250 rebate is available for implementing recommendations that result from the evaluation (rebate applies to equipment purchases of $500 or more).
Water Management in Cool Season Vegetables (105 KB PDF)
Water Management in Cool Season Vegetables (105 KB PDF)
Provides basic recommendations for improving irrigation management.
Santa Clara Valley Water District- Agricultural Efficiency
This page contains valuable information and links focused on agricultural efficiency.
Handbook for Agricultural Water Use Efficiency (1.1 MB PDF)
Four part handbook for growers and irrigators which provides step-by-step instructions for:
- Assessing irrigation system and distribution uniformity
- Irrigation scheduling and evapotranspiration
- Soil moisture monitoring
- Setting irrigation run times
Statewide Information and Resources
California Irrigation Institute
A non-profit organization described as the oldest independent forum on water and irrigation. Provides access to a wide range of presentations and reports given at their annual events.
Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT)- CSU Fresno
Described as an independent research and testing facility to assist designers, engineers, and users of irrigation equipment.
Developed by the Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno, WATERIGHT is designed to be a multi-function, educational resource for irrigation water management. The site is designed for three audiences: homeowners, commercial turf growers and agriculture. An important resource of the site is the irrigation scheduling programming that helps users develop site-specific, seasonal irrigation schedules.
California State University Agricultural Research Initiative- Irrigation Technology
Described as a comprehensive applied agricultural and environmental research program joining the CSU's four colleges of agriculture and the state's agriculture and natural resources industries and allied business communities. The goal is to foster the development and evaluation of new and promising technologies that have the potential for improving food safety, environmental stewardship, economic performance, and long-term sustainability of California's agriculture industry.
Department of Water Resources, Ag Water Use Program
The Office of Water Use Efficiency works to disseminate and transfer information on improved irrigation technologies and to identify and help develop technologies and farming methods that improve water use efficiency. Contains links to a number of state websites related to ag water use.
Agricultural Water Management Council (AWMC)
Described as a non-profit organization dedicated to achieve greater ag water management efficiency, primarily by aiding water suppliers, agencies and districts in developing and implementing Water Management Plans, and promoting specific Efficient Water Management Practices.
Local Agricultural Research
Nutrient Management Goals and Management Practices for Nursery and Floriculture: Farm Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.11 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series. 2004.
Nutrient Management Goals and Management Practices for Strawberries
Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.14 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series. 2004.
Sediment Management Goals and Management Practices for Strawberries
Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.12 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series. 2004.
Nutrient Management Goals and Management Practices for Cool-Season Vegetables:
Source: UC Ag and Natural Resources Division- Fact Sheet 3.4 in the Farm Water Quality Planning series.
More information for different crop types coming soon. Thank you.
Nutrient Research- Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Environmental Studies Department UC Santa Cruz
Local research and water quality data for Pajaro and Elkhorn Slough areas as well as local farm extension work.
UCCE- Rangeland Hydrology, Non-point Source Pollution and Water Quality
University of California Cooperative Extension web page with local watershed Fact-Sheets and links to a wide range of water related sites.
Water Quality Programs- University of California- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Contains information on agricultural research, Farm Water Quality Planning and Ranch Water Quality Planning.
Water Quality Fact Sheets
Assembled by local water agencies, this series of fact sheets list basic steps to take to reduce the amount of water and fertilizers used in our local area. Also available in Spanish.
Fact Sheet 1- Fertilizer Management for Cool-Season Vegetables
Fact Sheet 2- On Farm Handling of Fertilizers
Fact Sheet 3- Water Management for Cool-Season Vegetables
Fact Sheet 4- Using Nitrate Present in Soil/Water in Fertilizer Calculations
Fact Sheet 5- On Farm Nitrogen Determination Sap, Soil and Water