(UF/IFAS) — The University of Florida (UF) has unveiled a new website to address the public’s confusion surrounding harmful algal blooms (HABs), The website addresses causes of such events, effects and attempts to combat future blooms. Scientists from several University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) departments and affiliated groups teamed up to provide expertise for the site, …
Growers Discuss BMPs
By Ernie Neff Two growers participating in a Dec. 16 program about local agricultural issues shared some of the best management practices (BMPs) their companies employ. The event was hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee. Danny Sutton, president and general manager of Alico Citrus, …
BMPs Discussion Attracts Growers
By Ernie Neff A Dec. 16 discussion of local agricultural issues with a focus on best management practices (BMPs) attracted more than 50 attendees to Immokalee. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center hosted the event. Professor and center director Kelly Morgan summarizes the discussions, which he says included “some …
Florida’s Arguments Rejected in ‘Water War’
(NSF) — For years, Florida has blamed Georgia’s water use for causing damage to the economically vital oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay. But a special master appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed this week, dealing a major blow to Florida in its legal fight to force Georgia to share more water in a river system that links the two …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida-Georgia Water Ruling
(FDACS) — Following the ruling by a federal judge on Georgia’s consumption of water shared with Florida, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “This ruling is a major disappointment for fair, responsible water usage on which both states depend. Georgia’s unchecked disruption of our shared waters in the Apalachicola River has devastated Florida’s oyster industry. I’m encouraging our …
Decision in Florida vs. Georgia ‘Water War’
This latest decision has been made regarding the longstanding argument between Florida and Georgia about water issues growing more complex as populations boom in these two deep southeastern states. In The Supreme Court of the United States ——————————— * ——————————— STATE OF FLORIDA, Plaintiff, v. STATE OF GEORGIA, Defendant. ——————————— * ——————————— CHAMBERS OF THE SPECIAL MASTER ——————————— * ——————————— …
Helping Specialty Crop Growers Reduce, Remediate and Recycle Water
By Sarah A. White Water is necessary for growing plants. This simple statement says it all but doesn’t begin to address the complexities of water decisions growers face today. Some questions are common, regardless of where your operation is located: How much water do my plants need? How does water quality affect plant growth? How much water do I need …
Facts of the Flow: Lake Okeechobee, 2019 Year-to-Date
(SFWMD) — Here is the latest update on inflows into Lake Okeechobee for the calendar year to date. This data is provided by South Florida Water Management District’s DBHYDRO database. There has been no back-pumping into Lake Okeechobee from the Everglades Agricultural Area this year. Source: South Florida Water Management District Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE …
Evaluating Methods to Reduce Runoff in Blueberry Beds
By Gary L. Hawkins Water and nutrients are needed items for plant growth, and blueberries are no different. However, when nutrients leach below the root zone that is a loss for the farmer. Where water tables are high and farmers use subsurface tile drains to remove excess water, mobile nutrients such as nitrogen in the form of nitrate can cause …
Healthy Ponds for Healthy Environments
By Alexander J. Reisinger, Steven P. Hohman, Ashley R. Smyth and Eban Z. Bean If you live in an urban area, you have likely noticed small lakes or ponds in your community that are often paired with newer residential or commercial developments. Maybe you fish in them, canoe across them or watch wildlife attracted to the water. These ponds are …