By Clint Thompson
The current dry weather sweltering Southeast Georgia is not ideal for row crop farmers but just what specialty crop growers prefer this spring season.
Even if it involves paying more for to apply water, it’s nothing compared to managing diseases that often accompany increased rainfall, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
“Overall, (growers) would prefer it to be drier so that they can put out the water exactly when they need it, especially for crops like watermelons. Obviously, there’s a cost associated with irrigating. But still the risk that you run into when you’ve got real heavy rainfall with melons sitting in water, that risk outweighs the additional costs of irrigating,” Coolong said.
According to the University of Georgia Weather Network, Tifton, Georgia, received just 0.92 inches of rainfall from April 15 to May 15; compared to 7.49 inches last year. Moultrie, Georgia, received just 1.36 inches during the same timeframe, compared to 4.39 inches last year.
The lack of rainfall was evident in the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor released on Thursday. Most of the southern region of Georgia is experiencing dry conditions. Most of Southeast Georgia is in a moderate drought with Effingham County and Chatham County in a severe drought.
The dry conditions should help suppress any potential disease developing.
“As dry as it’s been, disease should be pretty low right now,” Coolong said.
Georgia’s main season spring crops will be ready for harvest around Memorial Day and last through June.
