The Mid Florida Citrus Foundation (MFCF) is a non-profit organization charged with:

• Providing a safe and clean environment.
• Studying the long-term effects of irrigating citrus with reclaimed water.
• Finding solutions to challenges facing citrus growers.
• Developing management practices that will allow growers in the northern citrus area to re-establish citrus and grow it profitably.
• Evaluating agricultural crops for economic viability.
• Studying the effects of golf course irrigation with reclaimed water.
• Conducting research on various species of trees for phytoremediation and production of a fuel source for utilities.
• Promoting urban and rural cooperation.

All research for the Foundation is conducted by the faculty from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The Board of Directors for this group is comprised of citrus growers in north central Florida and representatives from the City of Orlando, Orange County, the University of Florida and the various support industries. All research sites are located within the WATER CONSERV II area and reclaimed water is utilized on 63 of the 68 acres of research. The Foundation publishes all research results in various scientific journals and presents the results to the agricultural community through meetings, field days, and written articles.

First Citrus Grove Shows Benefits of Reclaimed Water

The Foundation planted the first citrus grove, a 20-acre block, in September 1987 to study the effects of various rates of reclaimed and well-water on two varieties and four rootstocks. The benefits of irrigating with reclaimed water have been consistently demonstrated, and no significant problems have resulted from the use of this water. Citrus on ridge (sandy, well drained) soils responds well to irrigation with reclaimed water and can tolerate up to 100 inches per year (in addition to rainfall). Tree condition and size, crop size, and soil and leaf mineral aspects of citrus trees irrigated with reclaimed water are typically as good as, if not better than, groves irrigated with well water. Fruit quality from groves irrigated with reclaimed water are similar to groves irrigated with well water. Boron and phosphorous are present in adequate amounts in reclaimed water and can be eliminated from the fertilizer program. Reclaimed water maintains soil pH within the recommended range; therefore, lime no longer needs to be applied.

Fruits and Nuts Show Promise with Reclaimed Water

In 1991 the Foundation began evaluating the effects of reclaimed water on an 8-acre block, which consisted of a number of varieties of pecans, persimmons, peaches, muscadine grapes, figs, feijoa, plums, raspberries, and blackberries. The planting has taken several years to establish and begin to bear fruit. This block will use evolving planting, as those varieties that do not perform well will be removed and new material will be established. The Foundation has found that high quality fruit and nuts can be grown on sandy soil with reclaimed water. Currently the unknowns are yield and marketing.

Economic Production of Ambersweet can be Obtained

The Foundation planted a 20-acre block of Ambersweet orange on Swingle citrumelo rootstock in April 1992. This block is used to examine levels of fertilization, source of fertilizer (liquid vs. Controlled release dry), irrigation scheduling, herbigation, pre-plant soil amendments, in-row spacing and utilization of water for cold protection. The block also has an elaborate computer controlled irrigation system that allows for a tremendous degree of flexibility (can irrigate as few as 48 trees to the entire 3072 trees at the same time). So far, the results of this study have shown that economic production of Amber sweet can be obtained. Also, Ambersweet responds to moderate levels of nitrogen and does not tolerate low soil moisture levels well. Yield varies significantly between different irrigation and fertilization levels. Pre-plant incorporation of municipal compost did not increase growth of young trees.

We look forward to receiving your comments, inquiries and plant tour requests

at:
phil.cross@waterconservii.com

Phil Cross
Sr. Project Manager
Water Conserv II
P.O. Box 783125
Winter Garden, FL 34778-3125
407-656-2332

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