By Clint Thompson Nutrient management is a way pecan producers can decrease their input costs heading into the 2022 harvest season, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. It starts with soil samples, which can be done any time of the year. But Wells stresses that growers do it at the same time every year. “If you take …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Various Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In our area, crops are developing well with few pest or disease issues currently. Some brassicas are displaying a reddening to the older leaves associated with reduced phosphorous …
Fertilization of Blueberries in Pine Bark Beds
By Doug Phillips and Jeffrey G. Williamson Blueberries have specific nutrient requirements that differ from other horticultural crops. They have shallow root systems and no root hairs, which limits the ability to take up nutrients. Blueberries grow best in acidic soils (ideal pH range of 4.5 to 5.5) with at least 3% organic matter and prefer the ammonium form of …
Fundamentals of Plant Production: pH, Irrigation and Nutrient Management
By Craig Frey Sustainability of agricultural operations involves good stewardship of resources. Since at least the 1980s, sustainable nutrient management has been closely associated with the 4Rs — right source, right rate, right placement and right timing of nutrient applications. Over the last several decades, the grower, industry and research communities have continued to identify ways to reduce inputs while …
Keeping Phosphorus on the Farm
By Sanjay Shukla, Asmita Shukla and Alan W. Hodges Stormwater detention/retention systems or agricultural ponds can be used to convert the vegetation growing inside to a beneficial commodity while reducing phosphorus discharges. These are the findings of a study conducted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The study evaluated the environmental and economic feasibility …
AFVGA Executive Director: Address Input Needs as Early as Possible
By Clint Thompson Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), implores his farmers to be proactive instead of being reactive with adjusting to the current surge in input costs. “Our overall message is to make sure you’re addressing your input needs as early as possible to get ahead of any kind of delays that …
Industry Expert: Supply Chain Issues Could Linger into 2023
By Clint Thompson One industry expert fears the current supply chain shortage and spike in input costs could linger well into the 2022 season and beyond. Sam Taylor, executive director for Rabobank, a financial services company, encourages producers to plan ahead to avoid potentially not having certain inputs next season. “My fear is that (costs) could continue to increase. You …
Spotlight: Setting Strawberries up for Success
By Jeff Cook Growing quality plasticulture strawberries begins with an understanding of your soil and proper fertilization of the crop. Start with a Soil Sample A soil sample should be taken a minimum of two months prior to fumigation and bed formation. This is critical to be sure you have enough time to adjust the pH up to between 6.0 …
Water Quality Concerns in Florida Stir up Citrus BMP and Phosphorus Questions
Growers call for more research on appropriate rates before new rules are imposed.Â
Sulfur Key Tool in Reducing Soil pH
By Clint Thompson Sulfur is a tool that South Florida growers can implement to decrease their soil pH in preparation for the upcoming fall season. Phillip Williams, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, discusses the importance of bringing the soil pH down to its optimal level of 6.5. “The problem in Southwest Florida, our …