An upcoming UF/IFAS Field Day will focus on the importance of citrus soil health in the face of citrus greening.
Citrus soil health is an important topic in Florida citrus, especially due to the problems with root uptake issues created by citrus greening. In order to address the growing interest in soil health, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has planned a field day that will focus on ways to improve soil health in the grove for Florida citrus growers, according to a Citrus Industry article. Set for November 15th, the field day will include grove tours and the latest on UF/IFAS research. See the details and how to register below.
Citrus Soil Health Field Day Details
Slated for November 15th, the field day will actually take place on two separate Florida groves in order to provide a side-by-side comparison of two different ways to improve soil health: the use of cover crops at J & R Groves and the use of added compost at Ben Krupski.
UF/IFAS researcher Sarah Strauss shared in the article that, “Florida soils, particularly for citrus, have low soil organic matter,” UF/IFAS researcher Sarah Strauss said. “Growers know this, but building soil organic matter to improve water retention and soil health can be a challenge.”
“One of the traditional ways to improve soil health is by applying compost, but another way is through the use of cover crops. This is not a new idea, but it is gaining some increased attention in the citrus industry due to other difficulties in keeping trees healthy,” Strauss shared in the article.
The event will also include information on the latest research in soil health. “As scientists, we are trying to figure out the effectiveness of different soil improvement options and what changes occur to the soil. This research will provide us data on many different aspects of the impacts cover cropping could have to a grower’s system,” Strauss said.
Those interested in attending can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/citrus-soil-health-field-day-fertility-cover-crops-compost-tickets-67570271501. Registration includes lunch.
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.