drought

Drought Impacting Irrigation Needs

Dan CooperIrrigation, Weather

The next harvest season may still be months away for Florida citrus growers, but management remains a weekly duty. That involves a plethora of chores for grove owners this summer, says Matt Smith, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent for Lake and Orange counties. “Growers definitely need to keep irrigation in mind. And of course, …

irrigation

Irrigation Maintenance Is Essential

Dan CooperIrrigation

Microjet irrigation is the top method of freeze protection for citrus trees, but its effectiveness is only realized if growers perform proper maintenance of the sprinklers before a cold event occurs. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, emphasized that fact during the Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo on June 10. Sutton said growers should treat their …

microjet

Microjet Irrigation Most Effective Freeze-Protection Method

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Freeze, Irrigation

Microjet sprinklers provide the most effective way for producers in the cold-hardy citrus region to protect their trees from freeze damage. Microjet irrigation is even more effective than drip irrigation and overhead irrigation. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, stressed that point during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo at the UGA Vidalia Onion and …

UGA, UF/IFAS Set to Host Irrigation Expo

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Irrigation

By Clint Thompson The Georgia/Florida Irrigation Expo is slated for Wednesday, June 10 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. The UGA and University of Florida (UF) Extension Services are partnering with local RC&D councils and Soil & Water Conservation Districts to host the expo with a focus on irrigation. Cale Cloud, …

irrigation

Postfreeze Irrigation and Fertilization for Citrus Trees

Dan CooperFreeze, Irrigation, Nutrition

Irrigation and fertilizer applications are important management tools for Florida citrus growers following the recent freeze event in late January/early February. Davie Kadyampakeni, associate professor in soil, water and ecosystem sciences at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discussed both facets of tree maintenance during a postfreeze webinar hosted by the UF/IFAS Citrus Team. Key …

soil moisture

Adequate Soil Moisture Is Key to Avoiding Fruit Drop

Dan CooperFruit Drop, Irrigation, Weather

A lack of adequate soil moisture could make an already challenging situation for Florida citrus growers worse. It is imperative that producers keep applying irrigation amid any prolonged dry period, says Chris Oswalt, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus agent. Oswalt noted that many citrus-producing regions in Florida have had little, if any, rain in …

dry

Citrus Water Needs Critical Amid Dry Period

Dan CooperIrrigation, Weather

The current dry period in the Southeast can negatively impact the region’s citrus groves. Trees in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama need water, especially ahead of the next harvest season. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed why water is so important this time of year. “Water …

irrigation

Irrigation a Necessity for Alabama Christmas Tree Producers

Dan CooperAlabama, Irrigation, Specialty Crops

Dry weather the last two seasons has challenged Christmas tree production in Alabama. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University, believes more producers will start implementing irrigation systems in the future as a result. “Most farms don’t have irrigation set up. There’s a few that do. I think we’ll probably see more of it in the …

Alabama Extension to Host Two Irrigation Workshops in February

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Irrigation

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering two irrigation field days in February. The workshops are designed to provide support to farmers as they implement precision agriculture technologies to strengthen preplanting, in-season and harvest management strategies. Brenda Ortiz, an Alabama Extension precision agriculture specialist, said the topics will allow producers to make plans for irrigation use …

USDA Invites Producers to Respond to Irrigation and Water Management Survey

Clint ThompsonIrrigation

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed survey codes to a selected sample of irrigators across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. The survey is a special study to the 2022 Census of Agriculture and provides the only comprehensive dataset of irrigation …