Frost and Freeze Protection for Vegetable Crops

Clint Thompson Fruit, Irrigation, North Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables, Weather

Written By Chris Gunter, N.C. State Extension Vegetable Production Specialist Weather predictions for this weekend include clear skies with minimal or calm winds, which are conducive to cold temperatures and could lead to freeze or frost conditions in North Carolina. On Sunday morning, May 10,  low temperatures are predicted to drop into the 30s with some temperatures possibly below freezing …

Recent Rains Helping Alleviate Parts of Florida’s Drought

Clint Thompson Drought, Florida, Irrigation, Top Posts, Water, Weather

By Clint Thompson This week’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor is expected to show improvement to Florida’s current drought conditions. That’s the belief of David Zierden, a state climatologist at Florida State University’s Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies. “I anticipate the drought monitor will show improvement, especially in north Florida. Right now, it seems the driest part of the …

Long Drought Leads to Water Restrictions in One Florida County

Clint Thompson Drought, Florida, Irrigation, Top Posts, Water, Weather

By Clint Thompson A water restriction has been placed on one Florida county because of the long drought. Gene McAvoy would not be surprised if more restrictions will follow. On Friday, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Lee County announced mandatory irrigation restrictions. According to the press release, the restrictions were to address low aquifer levels. They went …

Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertility Rate Strategies to Reduce Leaching

Clint Thompson Corn, Florida, Irrigation, Top Posts, Water

By Ashley Robinson Excessive nutrients in waterbodies, such as nitrate-nitrogen (N), have been one of the major issues in unconfined regions underneath the Upper Florida aquifer. This can be attributed to farmers applying excessive N fertilizer with the hope of obtaining higher yields. Therefore, the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as proper irrigation and N management is required …

High Rainfall Probabilities Look Promising for Florida Agriculture

Clint Thompson Drought, Environment, Florida, Irrigation, Top Posts, Water, Weather

By Ashley Robinson There may be light at the end of a dark and dry tunnel for Florida farmers with increased chances of rainfall over the upcoming week. According to Gary England, RSA/Director for the Hastings Ag Extension Center in Hastings, Florida, the same weather system currently ushering severe weather into the Southeast will elevate rainfall chances in the Hastings …

Determining the Ideal Irrigation for Peaches

Ashley Robinson Irrigation, Peaches, Top Posts

By Ashley Robinson According to researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA), supplemental irrigation can have a significant impact on peach tree growth. When Dario Chavez, assistant professor of peach research and Extension, started his research with UGA in 2014, he noticed that most growers were not irrigating their young peach trees in newly established orchards. Fruit production begins after …

Soil Moisture Sensors Benefit Vegetable Growers

Tacy Callies Irrigation, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Irrigation scheduling tools like soil moisture sensors can save vegetable growers valuable input costs by applying less irrigation while also increasing crop yields, according to University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Vegetable Specialist Andre da Silva. He discussed irrigation management in vegetables during the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society meeting on Jan. 14–15 on the UGA Tifton …

irrigation

Irrigation Tax Credit for Alabama Farmers

Dan Cooper Alabama, Industry News Release, Irrigation

(ACES) — Some Alabama farmers could see a break on their taxes thanks to a new tax credit. This credit allows farmers to count certain costs associated with irrigation — including fuel conversions, equipment and reservoirs — on their income taxes. Qualification Only qualified irrigations systems or reservoirs are eligible for the tax credit. Producers must have filled out an …