Areas of expertise: Physiology, Small Fruit Crops David’s research focuses on irrigation and nutrient management in berry crops. The goal is identify practices that increase plant growth and yield potential; enhance fruit quality and food safety; promote efficient use of water, fertilizer, and soil resources; reduce problems caused by plant pests and diseases; and limit labor requirements associated with pruning, weeding, and harvest. A few of the current projects in his laboratory include irrigation methods for reducing heat damage in the berries, design and management of fertigation systems, deficit irrigation strategies for reducing water use during drought, and benefits of soil amendments such as humic acids and biochar.