See the causes, impacts, and remedy options for managing drought stress in citrus trees for Florida citrus growers.

Managing drought stress is generally not a concern for Florida citrus growers during the rainy season in the summer, but few things are a sure thing in Florida. Additionally, once the rainy season is over, drought stress can be a real concern. See the causes, effects, and options for drought stress management in Florida citrus from a UF/IFAS blog below.

Causes and Effects of Drought Stress

The blog lists the following causes for drought stress in citrus trees:

  • Insufficient rainfall
  • high temperatures
  • soil water deficits
  • poor irrigation practices are the primary contributors to drought stress.

The blog added that “factors such as soil compaction, poor drainage, and excessive salinity can exacerbate drought conditions by limiting the tree’s ability to access water and nutrients from the soil.”

The blog also shared that drought stress impacts citrus tress’ “overall health and productivity” and can “…weaken fruit trees’ defenses against pests and diseases, making them more susceptible to infestations and infections. Fruit yield and quality may also decline due to inadequate water supply, resulting in smaller fruits with compromised flavor and nutritional content.”

Managing Drought Stress in Citrus

If drought stress is a concern, the blog recommends these management options:

  • “Optimize Irrigation Practices:Implement efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or microsprinklers, to deliver water directly to the tree’s root zone while minimizing water loss through evaporation.
  • Soil Management:Improve soil structure and water infiltration by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or manure, into the soil.
  • Pruning and Thinning:Prune fruit trees to remove dead or diseased branches and thin out dense foliage to reduce water competition among branches.
  • Nutrient Management: Maintain balanced nutrition by fertilizing fruit trees with appropriate micronutrients and macronutrients, especially potassium and calcium, which play essential roles in regulating water uptake and cellular functions.
  • Water Conservation:Implement water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting, soil moisture sensors, and recycled water use, to optimize water utilization and minimize waste.”

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