General Agriculture Resources
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B 1298
Chemigation in Georgia
Chemigation is an inclusive term referring to the application of a chemical into or through an irrigation system. It includes the application of fertilizers, acids, chlorine and pesticides. Chemigation can save time, reduce labor requirements, and conserve energy and materials. Chemigation is beneficial, however, only to the extent that the irrigation system is adequately designed, fully functional and properly managed.
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Farmers have known for centuries that animal manures spread on pastures and cropland can improve soil fertility. In the 1920s, farmers began to use sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants as a fertilizer. Through decades of research, the scientific and agricultural communities have come to understand that municipal sludge or “biosolids” contain valuable nutrients and organic matter that improve the soil in a way similar to animal manures. It is important to understand that biosolids are not raw sewage. Biosolids are organic solids that have been treated to stabilize organic matter and reduce disease-causing organisms or pathogens.
This resource was developed to help answer some common questions regarding the use of biosolids and to give farmers benchmarks for good practices.|
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Note: This publication contains data from an average of the 2020-21 and 2021-22 orange harvest seasons (exceptions noted in the chart). The commercial citrus industry in Georgia has only recently been established, with most groves planted after 2014. As of 2022, approximately 75% of the 3,300 acres of citrus planted in Georgia are satsumas, but that proportion is trending downward. To strengthen the new Georgia citrus industry, growers recently have begun to diversify their citrus varieties. Research is being conducted to determine how these varieties will perform under Georgia weather and soil conditions: which varieties can best tolerate Georgia’s winter weather, and what are the cultural norms such as maturation time, fruit quality, and insect and disease tolerance. This publication is associated with Circular 1275, the initial publication containing reference photos for the varieties tested.
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Vinca is a specialty ornamental crop with very distinct requirements. This bulletin will address those requirements and cover a typical production schedule and crop budget.
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The commercial citrus industry in Georgia has only recently been established, with most groves planted after 2014. Initially, satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu) on trifoliate rootstocks (Poncirus trifoliata) were planted for their cold-hardiness, seedlessness, and ease of peeling. Satsuma fruits begin to attain commercial maturity in early November and usually avoid hard freezes in southern Georgia. As of 2022, approximately 75% of the 3,300 acres of citrus planted in Georgia are satsumas, but that proportion is trending downward. To strengthen the new Georgia citrus industry, growers recently have begun to diversify their citrus varieties. Little is known about how these varieties will perform under Georgia weather and soil conditions. Therefore, research is necessary to determine what varieties can best tolerate Georgia’s winter weather and to determine cultural norms such as maturation time, fruit quality, and insect and disease tolerance. This publication is associated with Circular 1275, the initial publication containing reference photos for the varieties tested.
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Drip irrigation is an important component of vegetable production systems in Georgia. Drip irrigation is more desirable than other irrigation methods for several reasons. Two important advantages are (1) water conservation and (2) potentially significantly improving fertilizer management. Fertigation is the timely application of small amounts of fertilizer through drip tubes directly to the root zone. Compared to conventional ground application, fertigation improves fertilizer efficiency.
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Composting is the controlled biological process of decomposition and recycling of organic material into a humus-rich soil amendment known as compost. Mixed organic materials such as manure, yard trimmings, food waste and biosolids must go through a controlled heat process before they can be used as high quality, biologically stable and mature compost (otherwise it is just mulch, manure or byproduct). Compost has a variety of uses and is known to improve soil quality and productivity as well as prevent and control erosion.
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Freeze protection efforts should be based on the type of freeze, temperature, and wind speed that is impacting your crop. To apply frost protection, consider your crop value, the freeze protection capacity of your system, and the crop’s susceptibility to injury at each growth stage.
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This publication provides information on variety types, suggested vegetable varieties for organic production, and steps to saving your own seed.
Organic farming and vegetable production are becoming increasingly popular. Nationally, organic sales have increased 80% since 2007, organic produce has a wholesale value typically twice that of conventional produce, and 75% of organic products are sold within 100 miles of the farm. These facts suggest that there is a tremendous market potential for organic vegetables in Georgia, yet organic production remains only a fraction of conventional vegetable production. Because of our humid subtropical climate, organic production in the Southeast is continually challenged by intense disease, insect and weed pressure. The purpose of this guide is to detail the importance of varietal selection for organic growers.
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