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Free Virtual Workshop on Sustainable Water Use to feature two Texas A&M-Kingsville faculty

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Novel Citrus Management Practices for Sustainable Water Use Agenda

Novel Citrus Management Practices for Sustainable Water Use Agenda

Water is always on the mind in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, especially for those whose livelihoods depend upon consistent and reliable water for irrigating crops.

“In times when water supplies are tight, irrigation conservation pays off,” Dr. Lucas Gregory with Texas Water Resources Institute said. “In these types of situations, water that is available needs to be better used and more effectively delivered to the crop where and when it is needed.”

Dr. Shad Nelson, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, said a number of planting and irrigation practices have been developed and are being implemented across the citrus industry that conserve water.

“In existing groves, converting traditional pan flood irrigation to narrow-border flood, drip or micro-spray applications have all been shown to save water. In newly planted groves, raised beds paired with drip irrigation and plastic mulch not only save water, but have also proven effective in managing certain pests,” Nelson said.

These practices and more will be discussed at the “Novel Citrus Management Practices for Sustainable Water Use” workshop and video field day being held Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, in a free virtual format.

The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center, the Texas Water Resources Institute and the Texas Water Development Board are cohosting the free program. Registration is required for this event at: https://twri.tamu.edu/sign-up Registered attendees will receive log-in instructions directly via email at the address provided during the registration process.

 Content also includes discussion on pest and fertility management allowing Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license holders to secure two Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Nelson will present Sustainable Water Conservation Practices for Mature Orchards during the workshop and Dr. Mamoudou Sétamou, Interim Director of the Texas A&M-Kingsville Citrus Center, will present Novel Field Planting Designs for New Orchards.

This program is being hosted as a part of the “Lower Rio Grande Valley Irrigation Education and Outreach” project funded by the Texas Water Development Board through an Agricultural Water Conservation Grant to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

 

Category: General Univ , Ag/Env & Wildlife Sci

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