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Our latest publication is now available on EDIS at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS390 - "Annual Cover Crops in Florida Vegetable Systems Part 3. Buying and Sourcing."This publication, by Dr. Danielle D. Treadwell, Dr. Waldemar Klassen, Michael Alligood and Stephanie Shewey, is part three of the three-part series on Annual Cover Crops in Florida Vegetable Systems. This publication discusses points to consider when purchasing cover crop seeds and provides contact information for cover crop seed retailers and wholesalers. It also includes references and contact information for US retailers of cover crop seed and rhizobium inoculant.
"Understanding the 'USDA Organic' Label" is available on EDIS at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS397. This publication, by Dr. Danielle D. Treadwell and Dr. Mickie E. Swisher, briefly outlines the history of the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP), summarizes for consumers the benefits of government regulation of organic food products, and provides a guide for interpreting labels on products with organic ingredients.
"Annual Cover Crops in Florida Vegetable Systems Part 2. Production: How are cover crops managed?" is available on EDIS at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS389. This publication, by Dr. Danielle D. Treadwell, Dr. Waldemar Klassen and Michael Alligood, is the second part of a three-part series. This publication discusses the next step to choose a cover crop species that will fit into the farming system, and to help producers make informed decisions about cover crops and Florida production systems. It also discusses management practices, species selection, planting, seasonal management, and the termination of cover crops. Click on the link in the description above to read this great publication!
"Annual Cover Crops in Florida Vegetable Systems Part 1. Objectives: Why grow cover crops?", is available on EDIS at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS387. This publication, by Dr. Danielle D. Treadwell, Dr. Waldemar Klassen and Michael Alligood, is the first part of a three-part series. This publication gives an overview of the use of cover crops to improve the farming system. This publication discusses how cover crops can improve soil quality, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, and soil biological properties, as well as how they can generate additional income when grown for seed or as an energy crop. Click on the link in the description above to read this great publication!
"Drip-irrigation systems for small conventional vegetable farms and organic vegetable farms" is available on EDIS at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS388. This publication, by Dr. Eric Simonne, Robert Hochmuth, Jacque Breman, Dr. William Lamont, Dr. Danielle Treadwell and Aparna Gazula, gives an overview of the use drip irrigation systems on small farms. It covers the use of micro-irrigation, its advantages & disadvantages, the components of a system, the design & layout as well as the maintenance and operation. Click on the link in the description above to read this great publication!
By: Alan L. Wright, Assistant Professor, Victor L. Guzman, Professor, Everglades Research and Education Center, Belle Glade, Florida, and David Sui, Extension Agent II, Palm Beach County Extension, West Palm Beach, Florida
The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) of south Florida is an important source of winter vegetables to the national market. Crisphead and romaine comprise the majority of the approximately 7,000 acres of lettuce production in the EAA. An ongoing research focus at the Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, Florida is to increase the quality and yield of lettuce while minimizing production costs. The majority of research is focused on optimizing fertilizer recommendations, particularly with regard to phosphorus. However, changes in cultural practices, such as modification of plant populations and bedding systems, may show promise in enhancing lettuce production in this region. Standard methods of growing lettuce on the organic soils of the EAA are to direct seed two rows on 6-inch raised beds formed on 3-foot centers. This method results in rows and plants 1 foot apart providing an approximate total of 29,000 plants/acre and an estimated yield of 50,000 lbs/acre under ideal conditions. Trends in lettuce production indicate a shift from the traditional emphasis on lettuce head appearance toward more convenience and value-added packaging, in which lettuces are mixed or chopped, thus less dependence on appearance. Under these conditions, bulk tonnage/acre or marketable biomass receives greater focus. One way to increase total biomass production is to increase planting density. However, concerns about how plant density affects disease occurrence and potential nutrient limitations may be a deterrent to this approach. In order to fully understand new cultural practices and to avoid undesirable consequences, it is important to fully assess effects of altered production practices on lettuce quality in addition to yield.
Different bedding systems tested include the standard 2-row beds, and the more intensive 3-row and 5-row beds. Disease occurrence did not differ between bedding systems for romaine lettuce, as proper scouting and timely chemical application likely minimized potential for disease outbreak. Bacterial soft rot decreased yields of crisphead lettuce in the 5-row system compared to the standard 2-row system, indicating greater disease occurrence with increased plant density. Total marketable yields were higher for both the winter and spring seasons for the 3-row beds than other bedding systems for crisphead and romaine lettuce. A nutrient deficiency developed in romaine during the spring but not the winter season, indicating that fertilization rates higher than the IFAS-recommended rates may be necessary with greater plant density and with higher mean temperature. Overall, the 3-row bedding system shows promise in increasing yields, but more attention needs to be focused on disease and fertilizer management for this new system.
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