Researchers are reporting that alfalfa can tolerate very heavy winter flooding to recharge groundwater.
According to the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the findings are part of various test projects involving planted crops including almonds and vineyards.
But the research also finds that such projects will need multiple agencies to work together.
The alfalfa groundwater recharge study finds that most applied water found its way to the groundwater table.
And researchers say alfalfa survived excessive water in the root zone for a short period of time with little loss in yields.
The research can be found on line in the California Agriculture Journal.
