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 …
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 …
NAP Coverage a Potential Option for Specialty Crop Producers
Alabama Extension reminds vegetable and specialty crop producers about the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) that is in place to provide financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when diminished yields, inventory loss or prevented planting occur as a result of a natural disaster. If growers are unable to get coverage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management …
Drought Update: Dry Conditions Prevailing in Southeast
The Southeast continues to endure dry conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of South Florida is either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. This is especially true for Collier County, Monroe County, Palm Beach County and Broward County. The middle portion of Florida is abnormally dry as well, especially around the Polk County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County …
Overwatering is Bad Too
By Clint Thompson During hot temperatures and dry conditions, the first inclination for vegetable and specialty crop producers is to water their crops. But there is such a thing as applying too much water, says Doug Chapman, Alabama Extension agent for Commercial Horticulture in North Alabama. “If you do irrigate too much, you can get into some disease issues real …
Pecan Crop Looking Better Than Expected
Irrigation Remains Vital During Hot, Dry Conditions By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are still at least four months away, but the crop is looking better than expected, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Young trees look really good, most everywhere that I’ve been. Older trees are a little more hit and miss, which we’ve kind …
Irrigation Needs: What’s Needed During Prolonged Dry Periods?
By Clint Thompson If it’s not already, it’s about to be hot and dry in Alabama. With vegetable production well under way across the state, one word is on the minds of Alabama producers – irrigation. Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, provides irrigation tips for farmers during prolonged dry periods. “Usually, the rule of thumb is around …
Irrigation Key in Managing Pests
One of the first steps to conducting a sustainable integrated pest management system is timely irrigation. If plants aren’t watered adequately and on a timely basis, plants can become stressed, making them more vulnerable to insect pests, according to Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. He offers a few tips for water management in …
Hops Can Be Alternative Crop for Producers in the Southeast
Increased interest in locally-sourced hops has researchers at Auburn University studying the viability of producing the crop in the Southeast. Auburn specialists, including Andre da Silva, Assistant Professor of Vegetable Crop Systems at Auburn University, implemented the first hop yard in the E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center to evaluate hops as an alternative crop in Alabama. Preliminary data showed …