Yavapai Commercial Horticulture

Commercial Horticulture 

Commercial Horticulture and Small Acreage (CHSA) is a University of Arizona Cooperative Extension program supporting small-scale Yavapai County growers. Our goal is to identify the needs of local farmers and provide science-based information to guide their decision-making. By working alongside growers, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders, CHSA promotes sustainable local food production through research, education, and collaboration.

Our Vision
Rooted in Arizona’s rich agricultural heritage, we celebrate the resilience and diversity of small and medium-scale farms. We strive to enhance the environment, strengthen local food systems, and improve producers' and consumers' quality of life.

Our Mission
Through applied research and outreach, we empower growers to adopt sustainable farming practices, explore profitable crop opportunities, and strengthen regional food security. Our work bridges science and practice to ensure long-term success for local farmers.

Our Goals
We serve a diverse network of stakeholders, including farmers, marketing professionals, policymakers, and agencies like the USDA. By leveraging the expertise of The University of Arizona, USDA, private industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), we provide applied research, business support, and Extension education that fosters a thriving, resilient agricultural community.

Resources

Yavapai County Alert: Bark Beetles and Dying Conifers  this bar links to a separate page - if you have a need for it. 

Plant Databases

Help Desks

Camp Verde Office Master Gardener Help Desk 
verdevalleymg@gmail.com
928-554-8992
2830 N. Commonwealth Dr, Ste 103
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

Prescott Office Master Gardener Help Desk
prescottmg@gmail.com
928-445-6590 x2
840 Rodeo Dr, Bldg C
Prescott, AZ 86305

Both offices are open Monday to Thursday, 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm.

We perform free pH soil testing in both offices. The Soil Test Request form includes instructions. If you would like a more thorough test than for pH, we suggest you send your soil samples to Texas A&M.

 

Soil Fertility

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive and sustainable farming. Understanding soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties is essential for maintaining soil health and maximizing crop yields. A well-managed soil system improves water retention, enhances nutrient cycling, reduces erosion, and minimizes nutrient runoff, contributing to long-term farm viability.  In Arizona, it is crucial to build soil resilient to dry conditions by maintaining healthy levels of organic material.

Effective soil fertility management focuses on increasing soil organic matter and soil carbon through four key principles:

  1. Minimizing disturbance – Reducing tillage preserves soil structure, retains organic matter, and protects microbial life.
  2. Maximizing soil cover – Cover crops and mulches to prevent erosion, retain moisture, and enhance soil biodiversity.
  3. Optimizing biodiversity – Diverse crop rotations and intercropping improve soil fertility and reduce pest pressure.
  4. Maximizing root presence – Keeping living roots in the soil year-round promotes microbial activity and nutrient availability.

Research and extension efforts emphasize integrated approaches such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost application, manure management, and biochar incorporation to build soil health. These strategies enhance resource efficiency while supporting productive and sustainable farming systems in Yavapai County.

Resources

 

Photos of Insects Found in Yavapai County 

Arizona Pest Management Center Insect Photo Gallery

  • Laboratories Conducting Soil, Plant, feed, or Water Testing AZ1111

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I find out about upcoming events? Our monthly newsletter advertises our upcoming events.  Subscribe here
  2. Do you do water testing? We do not do water testing; we have a bulletin with labs that do test water in the Southwest, AZ111.
  3. Do you do soil testing? Yes, both our Prescott and Camp Verde Extension offices perform free pH soil tests.