By Clint Thompson Sandy soils dominate the soil landscape for vegetable production throughout Florida, according to University of Florida (UF)/IFAS. They provide growers distinct advantages, such as an ease of tillage and production of the earliest vegetable crops. However, a key disadvantage is the ability of nutrients to be leached, specifically with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Leaching refers to nutrients …
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 …
Combine Natural Enemies With Pest Exclusion Systems
By Ayanava Majumdar, Chip East and Eric Schavey Organic farming in the South is challenged with year-round pest pressure from established or invasive insects. A flash drought can rapidly increase pest numbers and devastate crops. Two ways to reduce insect pests on vegetable crops, pest exclusion systems and conservation of natural enemies, have been discussed in recent VCSNews articles. This …
Rainy February Key During May Dry Period
By Clint Thompson A rainy February provided excessive moisture that’s been a saving grace for vegetable and specialty crop producers during the dry period in May. “The winter was very unusual because we had a La Nina. Normally when we have a La Nina, we don’t get a lot of soil moisture recharge in the winter. But February, because it …
Weedy Issue: Ragweed Parthenium Becoming Major Problem in Florida
By Clint Thompson One weed is expanding rapidly across Florida. “Ragweed Parthenium, I would say is the biggest issue that’s relatively new. Its range seems to be rapidly expanding. Not that it didn’t ever occur here before, but I never saw Ragweed Parthenium in any of the specialty crop fields around us, and that’s mostly tomatoes and strawberries. Now I …
What Florida Growers Can Do to Squeeze More Out of the Lime Market
This sector remains a question in the Sunshine State. But there are some things producers can do to turn a sour deal sweet.
Sun Protection: Keep Watermelon Crop Safe During Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson South Georgia is on the brink of starting its watermelon harvest season. If farmers hope to capitalize with multiple harvests, they may need to apply chemical applications to protect against sunburn, which has been one of the few concerns during the production season. “The last couple of folks I spoke with, watermelons were volleyball size, if not …
Collision Course: North Florida, South Georgia Watermelons Likely Hitting Market at Same Time
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons are likely on a collision course for the Southeast market this summer. Weather is the main reason why. Florida Frost Producers in the Suwanee Valley Region in North Florida have started harvesting this year’s crop. But many of their fields were impacted by a scattered frost late in the season. …
Fertigation Advantageous for Farmers
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 …