You’ve probably heard of groundwater — the water stored underground in aquifers that is a critical natural resource for the western U.S. Did you know that in California, these aquifers provide nearly 40 percent of the water used by farms and communities? During a drought, that figure is even more — nearly 60 percent. Groundwater is vital for growing crops. But California is using this underground resource faster than it can be replenished. In this episode of Unfold, learn how UC Davis researchers are working to make groundwater more sustainable while also helping California remain the most productive agricultural state in the nation.

In this episode:

Isaya Kisekka, director of the Agricultural Water Center at UC Davis

Thomas Harter, hydrologist and distinguished professor in the UC Davis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources

Mallika Nocco, assistant professor of Cooperative Extension in soil-plant-water relations and host of the podcast Water Talk

Patrick Brown, distinguished professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences

Matthew Roby, research scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Nick Edsall, orchard manager of Bullseye Farms in Yolo County, CA

Kirk Pumphrey, owner of Westwind Farms in Yolo County, CA