Hurricanes, what is the agricultural market going to do? Written by Arlene Jocobs

Of particular concern is how to retain good quality in the remaining fruit while at the same time restoring the trees to enough vigor so that they may set a crop of fruit during the coming spring. Citrus growers have to get the trees back into stable condition so carbohydrate levels can increase for maximum flowering and fruit set next spring, according to Jerry Southwell, Yara North America, Inc. The choice of fertilizer can directly impact the recovery of damaged groves. Nitrates, particularly calcium nitrate, is less stressing to roots already stressed by recent conditions, such as high sustained water levels in grove floors.

(PRWEB) October 4, 2004 -- Not since Hurricane Donna made land fall almost exactly 44 years ago near Fort Myers, crossing over Lee, Charlotte, De Soto, Hardee, Polk, Lake, Orange and Volusia counties, the counties responsible for most of the 1960 citrus production, have we experienced such destructive force to the citrus industry. In 1960 Donna's strong winds stripped trees of leaves and fruit, and damaged seedling trees, resulted in 75--100% loss of grapefruit, 40-50% loss of orange, and 20-25% loss of tangerine crops in most counties, [Hurricanes and Florida Agriculture, 1999. But the initial damage and loss was not the only impact of Donna. Florida Citrus Mutual reported that water damage continued to affect groves, with splitting and droppage continuing in all varieties of grapefruit and oranges. That autumn, new foliage growth was evident in all areas, and some aphid problems were an issue.

After Hurricane Charley tore through Florida in August, following a similar path to Donna, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Agency initially estimated crop loss at 20%, or approximately $150 million in crop loss. This amount was later increased to $285 million. This figure, however, does not represent tree loss and the cost of re-planting, replacement of damaged equipment and structures, and other economic losses to the industry. Estimated economic losses in the two hardest hit, De Soto and Hardee, counties may total $445 million, according to Florida Citrus Mutual.

Only weeks after Charley, the industry was again impacted by another hurricane. Hurricane Frances ground its way across the state. Damage from Frances has been estimated to exceed $200 million. According to Andrew Meadows, with the Florida Department of Citrus, St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Palm Beach counties were hardest hit by Hurricane Frances. These counties account for almost 200,000 acres of Florida citrus production, including 73% of the grapefruit crop, according to the Florida Department of Citrus. Since the initial crop estimate isn't due out until October 12th, there has been no damage estimate issued by the USDA, however, Florida Citrus Mutual has estimated the economic impact to the grapefruit production at $485 million.

And the latest hurricane, Hurricane Jeanne, made landfall on the East Coast of Florida, three weeks to the day that Hurricane Frances hit. It also traced a path across Florida similar to Hurricane Frances, adding further damage to already weakened and damaged trees, as it remained a category 1 hurricane while it pushed through Florida.

Recently the U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Ann Veneman, and Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, announced there will be disaster relief for agricultural communities. However, only $500 million is designated for all agricultural commodities, from which impacted citrus growers may be able to make claims, (from $100 to $1,500 per acre based upon the severity of destruction). This will aid in the recovery, but it will not replace the loss of production and potential loss of future production.

Now, as after Donna, citrus growers are concerned with returning groves to productive, healthy conditions in the shortest length of time. Growers should be concerned primarily with the fall fertilizer program. After Hurricane Donna, Florida Citrus Mutual recommended that in undamaged or moderately damaged groves the usual schedule of fertilization should be followed, but for those with severe damage or were defoliated to 50% or more, the fall application of fertilizer should be made as soon as possible, as severely damaged trees will put out a flush of new growth, [Hurricanes and Florida Agriculture, 1999.

Of particular concern is how to retain good quality in the remaining fruit while at the same time restoring the trees to enough vigor so that they may set a crop of fruit during the coming spring. Citrus growers have to get the trees back into stable condition so carbohydrate levels can increase for maximum flowering and fruit set next spring, according to Jerry Southwell, Yara North America, Inc. The choice of fertilizer can directly impact the recovery of damaged groves. Nitrates, particularly calcium nitrate, is less stressing to roots already stressed by recent conditions, such as high sustained water levels in grove floors.

Calcium nitrate containing fertilizers have been shown to provide several benefits to reset or damaged trees. The calcium from calcium nitrate has 100% solubility which allows immediate uptake with increased and faster uptake of nitrogen and other nutrients. Water soluble calcium is utilized quickly to rebuild damaged plant structures and improve cellular function, [Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Calcium in Plant Development, 1986. Also, there is decreased fungal growth in the soil which has been shown to cause root rot, leading to blight. Calcium nitrate or potassium nitrate sources of nitrogen do not acidify the soil around the roots, such as occurs with ammonium containing fertilizers. Acidic soils increase fungi activity that can infest roots already injured due to the storms.

"Nothing has been shown to out produce a program with Calcium Nitrate", states Southwell. "Calcium nitrate produces more canopy which protects fruit and sets more number of fruit. Higher calcium levels in fruit decreases fruit drop and splitting. Judicious inputs now, will maximize profits on a higher market next season, due to crop loss this season."

With the possibility of still more hurricanes on the horizon, there is still the potential of increased destruction. For an industry that employs 90,000 Floridians and provides a $9 billion annual economic impact to the state, it is vital that the growers can recover to the greatest extent possible. The maximum recovery of the citrus industry may well depend on the selection of their fertilizer program. Utilizing calcium or potassium nitrate containing fertilizers will aide in the recovery of the groves and improved economic forecast.

The information from this article was provided by Yara North America, formerly Hydro Agri North America. For more information e-mail Terje.Gronlie@yara.com or go to www.yara.us, or call 530-878-3934. For technical information contact Bill Easterwood at bill.easterwood@yara.com or Wes Johnson at wes.johnson@yara.com.

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