See irrigation and nutrient recommendations from a UF/IFAS assistant professor for Florida citrus growers.
Davie Kadyampakeni, a UF/IFAS assistant professor, shared irrigation and nutrient recommendations for Florida citrus growers, and updates on research that has guided those recommendations, in the March episode of the All In For Citrus podcast, according to a Citrus Industry article. Both nutrient management and irrigation are necessary for optimal root density and tree health, especially when citrus greening is added into the mix. See the details of Kadyampakeni’s recommendations below.
Irrigation and Nutrient Recommendations
Both irrigation and nutrient management are essential for optimal tree health and fruit production in the era of citrus greening. This is especially true with young citrus trees. Kadyampakeni shared the following regarding irrigation and nutrient recommendations in the article:
Irrigation: “Young citrus trees require optimal irrigation management for vigorous vegetative growth, leaf flushing and establishment of a dense canopy…deficit irrigation…field trials have shown this practice significantly damages trees…Soil moisture sensors, irrigation apps and the Florida Automated Weather Network are all great resources to enhance irrigation and performance of young trees.”
Nutrients. “A project in its fourth year has identified that zinc, manganese and boron rates could be doubled, tripled, and in some cases even quadrupled, without toxicity issues…researchers have seen an increase in tree health with yields up by 15% to 30% in most instances. They’ve also seen a significant decrease in fruit drop.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.