According to Alabama Extension, fertigation has multiple advantages for vegetable producers that should make them implement this process for the upcoming seasons. The process of applying water and fertilizer through the irrigation system allows growers to apply the optimum amount of nutrients that a crop requires. If growers apply fertilizers via side dressing, there is a risk of leaching because …
Irrigation Vital During Critical Periods of Vegetable Season
By Clint Thompson Hot and dry conditions mean irrigation is a must for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crops. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, implores producers to stay vigilant in ensuring their crops have sufficient moisture. “This is a critical period to make sure that we have ample water out there, to make sure we’re either getting good stands or …
NAP Coverage a Potential Option for Specialty Crop Producers
Alabama Extension reminds vegetable and specialty crop producers about the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) that is in place to provide financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when diminished yields, inventory loss or prevented planting occur as a result of a natural disaster. If growers are unable to get coverage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management …
Drought Update: Dry Conditions Prevailing in Southeast
The Southeast continues to endure dry conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of South Florida is either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. This is especially true for Collier County, Monroe County, Palm Beach County and Broward County. The middle portion of Florida is abnormally dry as well, especially around the Polk County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County …
Insect Populations Up Across Alabama
By Clint Thompson As temperatures and dry conditions continue to increase across Alabama, so are insect infestations. According to the Alabama Insect Pest Monitoring Report, as of May 28, moth numbers were up for multiple insects, especially when compared to this time last year. Fall armyworms have increased the most. In 19 different locations across the state, there were 187 …
Results From Alabama Extension Strawberry Variety Research Trials
By Clint Thompson Strawberries remain a popular fruit crop produced in Alabama. The secret to increasing its popularity may be by providing growers more variety options. “Varieties are one of the most important decisions you’re going to make in crop production,” said Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University during a …
Overwatering is Bad Too
By Clint Thompson During hot temperatures and dry conditions, the first inclination for vegetable and specialty crop producers is to water their crops. But there is such a thing as applying too much water, says Doug Chapman, Alabama Extension agent for Commercial Horticulture in North Alabama. “If you do irrigate too much, you can get into some disease issues real …
Pecan Crop Looking Better Than Expected
Irrigation Remains Vital During Hot, Dry Conditions By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are still at least four months away, but the crop is looking better than expected, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Young trees look really good, most everywhere that I’ve been. Older trees are a little more hit and miss, which we’ve kind …
When to Irrigate During Prolonged Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Irrigation is a key component of farming vegetables and specialty crops. With scorching temperatures and dry conditions expected for the foreseeable future, producers need to keep their crops watered to maximize yield production. Andre da Silva, Assistant Professor of Vegetable Crop Systems at Auburn University, said it depends on what type of irrigation systems that farmers have …
Irrigation Needs: What’s Needed During Prolonged Dry Periods?
By Clint Thompson If it’s not already, it’s about to be hot and dry in Alabama. With vegetable production well under way across the state, one word is on the minds of Alabama producers – irrigation. Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, provides irrigation tips for farmers during prolonged dry periods. “Usually, the rule of thumb is around …