Implementation of advanced technologies by north Florida farmers improve water and fertilizer use and document the implementation of Best Management Practices

Abstract

The soils of North Florida are excessively drained, deep sands, with low organic matter content and low water holding capacity. Consequently, vegetable production in the region requires intense irrigation and fertilizer management. In many areas of the region, the Suwannee River Water Management District has identified Water Use Caution Areas where water availability is inadequate to meet projected future demands. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection continues to adopt Basin Management Action Plans to address nitrate discharge in local rivers and springs. Because of the large quantity of water use and the potential of nitrates to leach into the groundwater, farmers are facing increasing pressure to document their farm management activities, specifically irrigation and fertilizer management, in accordance with Best Management Practice (BMP) programs.