By Clint Thompson Fertilization rates for Georgia watermelon production is important knowledge for growers to be familiar with, as the new season looms. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, was tasked with enlightening producers about fertilizer rates and why they are set at certain levels, during last week’s Southeast (SE) …
UF/IFAS Research: Controlled-Release Fertilizers Protect Against Early Leaching
By Clint Thompson Controlled-release fertilizers remain an effective and efficient way for North Florida watermelon producers to prevent leaching, specifically during the first few weeks of the season. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, has researched the system’s effectiveness. He spoke about control-released fertilizers at this …
Herbicide Plus Fertilizer Equals Fewer Weeds, More Tomatoes
A combination of herbicide and fertilizer can prevent nutsedge from impacting tomatoes, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). That should mean more of the vegetable going to the grocery store and your kitchen. An increase or decrease in tomato production is critical because it’s a $400 million-a-year industry in Florida. Growers want to control …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Controlled-Release Fertilizers Expensive but Efficient
By Clint Thompson Imagine a scenario for North Florida watermelon producers where leaching of nitrogen fertilizer is greatly reduced, and labor expenses are cut significantly. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research is proving it’s not just a dream but a potential reality. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, is one of …
Strengthening Farms, Businesses: USDA Invests in Domestic Fertilizer Projects
CASCO, Wis. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week that the USDA is investing in domestic fertilizer projects to strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. This funding advances President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up. It will create jobs and spur …
Biden Administration Invests $207 Million in Clean Energy, Domestic Fertilizer Projects
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that the USDA is investing $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. producers. The announcement was made by Secretary Vilsack at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation …
Replacing Chemical Fertilizer With Nitrogen From Soil Bacteria
By Kristen Van Gelder The invention and use of chemical nitrogen fertilizer starting in the early 20th century have led to a phenomenal gain in agricultural output. For example, typical maize yields in the U.S. have risen from 2 tonnes per hectare in the early 1940s to about 11 tonnes per hectare today — a 450% increase that is in …
And the Survey Says: Vegetable Producers Sound Off on Pesticide, Fertilizer Use
The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)-Agricultural Chemical Use Survey collected date about pesticide and fertilizer use from vegetable producers in 2022. NASS administered the survey among growers in 17 states, and three vegetables were highlighted. These include snap beans, squash and sweet corn. Nitrogen was the most widely used nutrient for all the three featured crops, …
USDA Invests $29 Million to Assist American-Made Fertilizer Production
ORLANDO, Fla. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Friday that the Department received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses from 47 states and 2 territories for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity. USDA also announced the first $29 million in grant offers …
USDA Announces $29 Million to Increase American-Made Fertilizer Production
ORLANDO, Fla. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Friday that the Department received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses from 47 states and 2 territories for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity. USDA also announced the first $29 million in grant …















