Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley's deep, well drained sandy loam soil, Kearney Research and Extension Center (KREC) is the most utilized off-campus agricultural research facility operated by the University of California (UC). The center provides professional management, land, labor, a variety of specialized facilities, farming and irrigation for agricultural and environmental research projects and Extension educational activities for the benefit of all Californians. Twenty-nine KREC staff provide a base for up to 200 Kearney based personnel and 90 ongoing Current Research Projects at Kearney.
Research at Kearney explores agricultural and environmental issues important to scientists, farmers, agribusiness, and the public. Current research focuses on developing innovative methods of pest and disease control; gaining a better understanding of our natural resources; evaluating new plant selections; improving fresh fruit and vegetable postharvest practices; improving irrigation systems; and improving nutrition and variety characteristics of tree fruit, nuts, grapes, field, and row crops. Tours of the Center are scheduled and directed by KREC staff.
With approximately 330 acres of land (261 acres under cultivation) KREC staff grow over 50 different crops. Annually the center serves approximately 100 scientists conducting 90 research projects, providing them with a variety of management and project support options. There are 25 resident scientists at KREC, representing UC campus-based departments from Berkeley, Davis, and Riverside as well as specialized UC programs. Projects are also conducted by nonresident UC faculty as well as researchers from other universities, state agencies, and the USDA.
KREC provides researchers with a variety of Facilities and instrumentation in addition to specialized equipment that is often modified by physical plant staff or the farm machinery shop to suit specific research needs. The center has 170,000 square feet of facilities containing 45 offices, 40 laboratories, and 30 Greenhouses. Other available resources include Postharvest, teaching lab, drying, coldstorage, weighing lysimeter, weather station, fax, and internet facilities and equipment. Conferences, workshops, seminars, and other educational activities are accommodated by a 240-seat Conference Facilities and smaller meeting rooms. Office and laboratory space is available on an as-needed basis for temporary and visiting scientists. A dormitory with overnight space for 12 occupants is available. Dormitory facilities include laundry, lounge, and kitchen amenities. All dormitory users need to register in advance and provide food, toiletries, bedding, and towels.
