Best Management Practices for Temperate and Tropical/Subtropical Fruit Crops in Florida: Current Practices and Future Challenges

• Published in: HortTechnology (Alexandria, Va.) Vol. 20; no. 1; pp. 111 - 119
• Main Authors: Williamson, Jeffrey G, Crane, Jonathan H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2010
• Subjects: agricultural runoff; crop management; farm size; fertigation; fertilizer application; fertilizer use reduction; fruit crops; good agricultural practices; innovation adoption; irrigation management; irrigation systems; leaching; literature reviews; microirrigation; nutrient management; pesticides; soil physical properties; tropical and subtropical fruits; water use efficiency; Florida
• ISSN: 1063-0198; 1943-7714
• DOI: 10.21273/horttech.20.1.111

A wide variety of temperate, subtropical, and tropical fruit crops are grown commercially in Florida. Farm size ranges from large commercial operations exceeding 100 acres to small 1- or 2-acre "estate" farms. Irrigation and fertilization practices vary widely with crop, soil type, and management philosophy. However, many growers are adopting practices such as microirrigation, fertigation, and other technologies, which, if properly used, should reduce water and fertilizer inputs and minimize leaching and runoff of fertilizers and pesticides. Although fertilizer and irrigation recommendations exist for major crops such as avocado (Persea americana), mango (Mangifera indica), and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), there is little research-based information specific to Florida for many minor crops, including muscadine (Vitis rodundifolia), blackberry (Rubus spp.), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), guava (Psidium guajava), papaya (Carica papaya), and others. Even where recommendations exist, refinement of irrigation and fertilization practices is needed because of changes in technology.