Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/76198
is coming from carbon dioxide that the plant has just photosynthesized or from carbon sequestered in the soil. Nichol's group, meanwhile, will measure greenhouse gas emissions with two types of devices that will be installed at the research locations. One is a set of automated plexiglass chambers that will run continuously and monitor carbon dioxide fluxes across the ground surface using sensors and sophisti- cated computer software. For nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide readings, samples are collected manually from smaller chambers. "Each experiment is designed to be testing different types of irrigation, different types of fertilization, and dif- ferent types of surface cover of mulch or compost," Nichol said. "We'll have anywhere between one and four chambers in each plot to cover parts of a row or next to a dripper or in the alleyway between rows, so we may have somewhere between 100 or 150 with each site." Global concern Jones said the project is in response to a global con- cern about greenhouse gas emissions. Although agricul- ture may not be as intensive a contributor as other major industrial complexes, because agriculture occurs over such a large part of the landscape, it has the potential to have an influence. "The water-use part is key as well," she said. "The end product that we have promised to the government, that the government demands as part of this program, is that we will recommend best practices for orchardists and berry producers that will maximize both efficient prac- tices and reduction of greenhouse gases, the carbon sequestration and the reduction of the nitrous oxide together with the efficient use of water." Three researchers from New Zealand are also involved in the project, Nelson said. "The people from New Zealand are looking at the car- bon sequestrations—how can we sequester more carbon in the soil and release less carbon dioxide into the atmos- phere. They have this very sophisticated technique that they are going to be bringing here for us and working with us for measuring where the carbon comes from that is released as carbon dioxide and how best to keep it sequestered in the soil." Jones, the lead researcher on the Canadian team, pointed out that this project presents a unique opportu- nity for her team of scientists. "There's so much opportunity for advancement if we work with scientists in other disciplines. As a soil microbi- ologist, I had never worked on a project together with an expert in gas emissions, and so that's what really excites me. It's going to be quite an interesting learning experience. "I really like to work on projects where there is going to be a real benefit to society one way or another. It's ideal if there are going to be management implications. That's what really prompted me to become involved in this research." • www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER AUGUST 2012 49 Photo by terry edwards