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VEGETABLE GROWERS IN THE SUWANNEE VALLEY OPTIMIZE FERTILIZER USE BY IMPLEMENTING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Extension Education

Elena Rogers
Area Specialized Agent, Food Safety- Fresh Produce
North Carolina State University
Lenoir

Abstract

\r\n   Vegetable growers in the Suwannee Valley have adopted drip irrigation and plastic mulch over the past 25 years to produce vegetable crops.  Soils in the area are sandy with low water holding capacity and low organic matter content.  Consequently, vegetable production in the Suwannee Valley requires intense irrigation and fertilization management. Extension agents have been working with vegetable growers to refine their management of the technology. The goal has been to improve efficiency of water and nutrient management by conducting on-farm weekly sap testing. Plant nutrient status can be determined in the field by squeezing plant sap onto meters that measure either nitrogen or potassium giving a grower an instant result to guide the weekly fertilizer program. In addition, updates on nutrient and irrigation management are offered to growers at annual meetings. The benefits of improved management have been multifold as reported by cooperating producers: reduction in fertilizer use, improved fruit quality, reduced environmental losses of nitrogen, fertilizer applications to match plant requirements, and improved economic returns to the farms. Area vegetable growers have adopted several best management practices (BMPs) including: irrigation sensors, petiole-sap testing, and refining fertilization rates; resulting in adoption of recommendations on nearly 100% of the area. This project impacted 31 operations that grow a combined 1,500 acres of mixed vegetables. These educational programs have made a great impact toward adopting BMPs voluntarily.  Growers see and learn on their own farm and often serve as early adopters that help teach other growers. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: D.K. Fenneman, E.M. Toro, R.C. Hochmuth, M. Bauer, C. Vann, D.N. Demorest, J.T. DeValerio
  1. Fenneman, D. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32340
  2. Toro, E. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32060
  3. Hochmuth, R. Multi-County Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32060
  4. Bauer, M. BMP Implementation Team, University of Florida, Florida, 32060
  5. Vann, C. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32066
  6. Demorest, D. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32025
  7. DeValerio, J. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32091