By Clint Thompson
The production season continues for the bulk of North Florida watermelon plants that survived the sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend. Growers need to consider their fertilizer options, especially following the recent rain events.
“Most of their fertilizer that was in the bed preplant and even whatever they may have put out in their transplant solution is gone at this point,” Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County. “I’m recommending to start fertilization as soon as possible. At the very least move it up a week. I’d start now.”
There was an estimated 60% to 70% of the watermelon acres planted across the Suwannee Valley prior to this past weekend. All were subjected to prolonged, pounding winds, heavy rains and sub-freezing temperatures.
Many areas reported accumulated rainfall last week in excess of seven inches with one report of more than 10 inches. Except for those growers who use controlled release products, the rest have to consider that all fertilizer that was located under those holes is likely leached out of the rooting zone.
Root systems expand rapidly to scavenge nutrients, but there might not be much there for them to pick up. This is especially concerning for those who planted recently. Warren recommends starting at a lower level, approximately 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen and potash acre per day rate.
Fields should be accessible for growers to move through and make the applications as well.
“Our fields for the most part, there are some that have some clay but very little, most of our fields are pretty sandy. I’ve been riding fields for the last couple of days and not had any issues. They can get in the fields if they need to for spraying,” Warren said.
