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Earthmetrics Report - page S operation is approximately of the median size of San Joaquin orchards according to the Census distribution reported on page 3. Soils on the parcel are both BR -El Solyo clay loam (ca. 75 percent) and RM-Stomar clay loam (ca. 25 percent). Irrigation is by surface farrows from the west to the east with a drainage collection sump located in the triangular area created by the canal and railroad right of ways at the parcels eastern most edge. The interview with Mr. Traina indicated that the 1986 yield was below normal because of adverse weather. The applicant also discussed the difficulties of farming in the midst of the encroaching urbanization pressure. A subsequent telephone interview with staff of the Agricultural Commissioner's Office confirmed that, indeed, proximate residential development can restrict types of materials available to operators, methods of application, and timing of applications For example, air applications are difficult on small parcels and are further constrained by adjacent and intermixed residences, schools, and other non-agricultural land uses. Road dust and neighborhood nuisances can further complicate normal farming operations. The Study Area. The larger area is more diverse in parcel size, in degrees of encroachment, and in the timing of past development. Parcels north of Bates Road are smaller in size than those south of that road and north of the railroad right of way. Typically walnuts are planted to parcels north of Bates Road. South of the railroad right of way, parcels include a mix of young and mature walnut plantings and lesser acreages devoted to apricots Between Bates and Fair Oaks roads to the north and the railroad right of way, apricots are planted exclusively west of the canal right of way; the three parcels east of the canal are planted to apricots, cherries, and walnuts. Thus, agriculturally, the study area is a mosaic of different orchards, different in age and tree type, located as it were on an island interior to older development on the east (on Chrisman Road) and both older and more recent hom esites on the south, west, and north, especially along Fair Oaks and Bates roads. It is evident that the levels of cultural and management practices on the existent agricultural parcels (orchards) vary greatly within the study area. The most thrifty orchards appear quite attractive, especially to the north of the railroad right of way, but there are also older, less well tended plantings in the vicinity as well. Observation of tracts in the existing Valpico rural residential area also show variability, due either the lack of understanding and/or management skills, possibly, confounded by the 13.3-13