The ongoing dry spell in the Southeast poses challenges for citrus groves in North Florida, South Georgia, and South Alabama. Mary Sutton, an assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist at the University of Georgia, highlights the importance of water during this period.
Sutton states, "Water needs are definitely critical right now. For the people that have fruit on the tree, this would be early in the fruit set and fruit growth process, and water is going to be very critical for that, as well as just for the general health of the tree."
Despite limited rainfall since early April, citrus growers have access to irrigation systems to meet their water requirements. Sutton notes, "Most folks I know have micro-sprinkler irrigation. They should already have irrigation in place. I know most people use it on an as-needed basis, not on a specific schedule. Now is the as-needed time."
The U.S. Drought Monitor's May 1 update indicates worsening drought conditions across the Southeast. Nearly all of Florida is experiencing some level of drought, with the Panhandle and Northeast Florida being abnormally dry, and moderate to severe drought affecting most of the state.
South Georgia and East Georgia face abnormally dry conditions, with moderate drought in certain areas. According to the University of Georgia Weather Network, Tifton, Georgia, has received only 0.86 inches of rainfall since April 8, while Moultrie, Georgia, recorded just 0.01 inches in the same period. Most of Alabama maintains adequate moisture, though the southeast corner is abnormally dry.
Source: Citrus Industry