Richard Smith retires after 37 years of translating science into solutions for vegetable growers

Richard Smith tests soil nitrogen. His research helps growers comply with water quality regulations.

For four decades, when a new plant disease infects lettuce fields or new regulations are issued for agriculture, vegetable growers across the state have turned to Crop Advisor Richard Smith gardeners at the University of California Cooperative Extension, for answers. After 37 years of service with UCCE, Smith retired on January 4.

"The whole industry is dreading Richard's retirement!" exclaimed Jennifer Clarke, executive director of the California Leafy Greens Research Program. "Richard is a wealth of knowledge and has a great ability to translate science into practical real-world solutions."

In recent years, the leafy greens industry has lost millions of dollars in crops due to infections with impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) and pythium wilt. Smith is one of the researchers who study diseases.

"Richard conducted extensive varietal trials and led efforts to identify the 'top 10 weed hosts for INSV and strategies to reduce the winter 'green bridge' for this virus," Clarke said. /p>

Smith also kept policy makers informed of the latest research. In 2021, he testified before the Assembly Agriculture Committee on leafy green plant diseases.

A legacy of practical advice, service to the community

Richard Smith and Michael Cahn share their research findings with growers during a field day.

By serving on numerous grower and county committees and working directly with growers, Smith has built a reputation for understanding grower needs and developing practical solutions. He found it gratifying to see his search results used.

“The research I conducted with my collaborators helped the Water Board to better adapt its regulations to the reality of agriculture and to minimize economic constraints,” said Smith.

Smith and fellow UCCE Irrigation and Water Resources Advisor Michael Cahn also became trusted and respected voices when discussing AgOrder 4.0 with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board , according to Clarke. AgOrder 4.0 calls on farmers to reduce the amount of fertilizer they apply to crops.

Field trials conducted by Smith and Cahn showed growers that they could use nitrogen from high nitrate sinks to meet a crop's nutritional needs.

“Richard also did extensive research to develop nitrogen removal coefficients for AgOrder 4.0,” Clarke said. "Recently, he and Eric Brennan of the USDA-ARS (Agricultural Research Service) examined cover crops and identified a system to predict shoot biomass and enable nitrogen scavenging credits. His work was essential to help growers achieve AgOrder 4.0 compliance in a cost-effective and realistic manner."

Producers also use his research to manage cadmium, a heavy metal naturally found in soils.

“He has led efforts to help growers find a best management practice that reduces cadmium uptake in various crops,” Clarke said. “The Central Coast has areas of productive agricultural land where there are natural shale deposits. The ability to amend the soil to reduce plant uptake of this heavy metal has allowed these important production areas to continue growing nutritious vegetables.

"I've never had a bad day as an agricultural adviser"

Richard Smith

Growing up in Watsonville, Smith started working in agriculture for summer jobs at a very young age.

"I was in 4-H and met farm counselors and was always impressed with them," Smith said. “I was lucky enough to be able to work as a career advisor. I've never had a bad day as an agricultural advisor - it was very satisfying to work with growers and help them solve their problems. »

Smith joined UC Cooperative Extension as an intern agricultural adviser in San Diego County and San Joaquin County...