By Clint Thompson
Timing is critical for water needs for next season’s citrus crops across the Southeast. Much of the groves in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama are receiving their share of rainfall. But others are not.
It is why producers need to remain diligent in applying water to their trees, says Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist.
“Definitely right now you want to keep an eye on water. Some places are getting a ton of rain right now, and other places not so much. You just want to make sure you’re keeping the trees watered. We are in that rapid fruit growth period, so they’re going to want some water,” Sutton said.
“It’s really going to depend on the circumstance, because if they have a very sandy soil, they definitely might need more water whereas if they have a real high clay soil that holds it better, they might not need to be watering as much but definitely still want to keep an eye on things.
“The trees are going to have a high demand for water right now.”
According to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, there are zero dry conditions in Georgia and Alabama. Both states have sufficient moisture. North Florida does not have any dry conditions as well.