A large-scale pilot project studying the effects of recharging water onto pistachio orchards, some with cover crops and some without,  is in full swing across the San Joaquin Valley.  The project, a collaboration between private nonprofit Sustainable Conservation, American Pistachio Growers and Fresno State University kicked off in January and will study recharge on six orchards in Tulare, Merced and Madera counties. Each pilot partner recharges onto 20 acres of orchard with cover crops and 20 acres with no cover crops. … Specifically, the project will look at whether recharge cover crops can reduce nitrates in groundwater. 

Other agricultural water news:

• Mid Valley Times (Reedley, Calif.): Bureau of Reclamation water allocations start low
• The Manteca Bulletin (Calif.): Opinion: Water deal could help fish, farmers, pay for SSJID work
• UC ANR: Blog: Microirrigation School, starting March 30, offers guidance on maximizing water use efficiency and productivity