Temperatures may be high and dry conditions may be widespread across the Southeast, but pecan growers should not panic and apply too much water, according to the University of Georgia Extension pecan blog.
Because pecan trees can adapt in extreme weather conditions, growers can continue on the normal recommended irrigation schedule and nuts will continue to size properly, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist
Young trees, between 1 and 3 years, on loamy sands should receive 100 gallons per tree per week. Growers should apply irrigation every other day. Drip irrigated trees should receive 50 gallons per week evenly over time.
“You want to maintain consistent soil moisture. Even on days in which you are not irrigating, you should still easily find the soil moist to the touch. Watering really heavy a couple days a week and letting it get bone dry in-between encourages problems,” Wells said.
Young trees on deep sand soils should receive water every day, between 3 and 4 hours per day. Heavier clay soils retain more water but get hard when dry. These soils should be watered twice per week at 4 hours each time for young trees.
Mature bearing trees should receive at a full cycle between 3,600 and 4,000 gallons per acre per day. For those with drip irrigation, growers should receive at 45% cycle during July.