Irrigation Archives - Specialty Crop Industry

North Florida Watermelon Producers Should Implement Multiple Irrigation Events Daily

Jim Rogers — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:30:00 +0000

By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida ...

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New Irrigation Demonstration Site at UGA-Griffin

Clint Thompson — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

By Ashley N Biles The new irrigation demonstration site on the University of Georgia (UGA) Griffin campus will be used for training, research and education on the latest irrigation technologies for industry professionals, homeowners and researchers. “We are very proud to have the irrigation demonstration site on the Griffin campus and we appreciate all of the hard work that has ...

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Protecting Citrus During Prolonged Dry Periods

Jim Rogers — Thu, 19 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Hot and dry conditions are being seen in citrus groves across the Southeast. Growers are reminded to keep their trees — young and old — supplied with an ample amount of water. Citrus grower Kim Jones, who owns a citrus packing facility in Monticello, Florida, and is part-owner of a similar facility in Tifton, Georgia, discusses the importance of keeping ...

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Conduct Irrigation Maintenance Now

Jim Rogers — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 12:30:00 +0000

By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers should conduct any maintenance of their irrigation systems now before the upcoming spring planting season begins. It’s better to deal with any potential problems now than mid-season, says Wes Porter, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension precision agriculture and irrigation specialist. “Some of our vegetable guys may be irrigating now with their fall and ...

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Clemson Drip Fertigation Calculator: More Efficient Method for Farmers

Jim Rogers — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 11:30:00 +0000

By Clint Thompson The Clemson Center Pivot Fertigation Calculator provides South Carolina’s specialty crop producers a more efficient way to inject fertilizer through drip irrigation. The tool, released in late 2020, allows growers to make timely decisions in the field. All they need is the smart phone application (app), says Zack Snipes, Clemson Extension Area Horticulture Agent and Assistant Program ...

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Freeze Protection: Overhead Irrigation Efficient Strategy for Blueberry Growers

Clint Thompson — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:35:00 +0000

By Clint Thompson Frost protection will be an essential management plan for blueberry producers in the Southeast during the upcoming months leading up to harvest. Eric Stafne, a Mississippi State Extension/Research Professor, highlights the benefits and importance of using overhead sprinkler irrigation when temperatures drop below freezing. “The benefit of using that is it’s the most effective way to prevent ...

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FDA Proposal: Changes to FSMA Rule Will Enhance Safety of Water Used on Produce

Clint Thompson — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 15:13:42 +0000

FDA Proposes Changes to Food Safety Modernization Act Rule to Enhance Safety of Agricultural Water Used on Produce The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule on Thursday that aims to enhance the safety of produce. It proposes to require farms to conduct comprehensive assessments that would help them identify and mitigate hazards in water used to ...

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Irrigation Income Tax Credit: Alabama Deadline is Jan. 31

Clint Thompson — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:45:00 +0000

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries reminds producers that the 2021 Irrigation Income Tax Credit is available and covers costs for irrigation equipment, fuel conversion and reservoirs. The deadline to submit is Jan. 31, 2022. For more information, see agi.alabama.gov/irrigation. The Alabama Department of Revenue requires farmers to complete a precertification process before they can claim the Qualified Irrigation ...

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Irrigation Scheduling: Certain Strategies More Valuable Than Others

Clint Thompson — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:25:00 +0000

By Clint Thompson The best irrigation scheduling strategies can save vegetable farmers water and help maintain or increase yields, says Andre da Silva, Assistant Professor of Vegetable Crop Systems at Auburn University. He divides irrigation scheduling among six different ranks regarding implementation and effectiveness. Growers need to choose the best method to achieve the optimal results. The recommended methods are ...

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Irrigation Vital During Critical Periods of Vegetable Season

Clint Thompson — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:45:00 +0000

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 ...

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