D. L. Wright – EDIS Update

Transitioning from Conventional to Organic Farming Using Conservation Tillage

Organic farming is one of the fastest-growing segments of the agricultural industry in the United States and in Florida. Conservation tillage is often employed to reduce soil erosion, improve physical and biological properties of soil, and increase water use efficiency. This 5-page article aims to provide recommendations to row crop farmers who wish to implement conservation tillage practices during their transition to a certified organic system. Written by D. L. Wright, J. Moyer, D. Treadwell, I. M. Small, and S. George, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised November 2020.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag246

Carinata Production in Florida

Brassica carinata is a promising oilseed crop with great potential for profitable cultivation in Florida. Its high oil content and favorable fatty acid profile make it suitable for the biofuel industry, especially as a biojet fuel. The UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy, Florida, has been working to identify advanced carinata genotypes that are high yielding (seed and oil), disease resistant, early maturing, and adapted to Florida. The work at NFREC is being done in conjunction with Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., a crop company that has the world’s largest collection of carinata germplasm. This 6-page fact sheet’s “Agronomic Management” section provides recommendations resulting from NFREC’s research. was written by C. M. Bliss, R. Seepaul, D. L. Wright, J. J. Marois, R. Leon, N. Dufault, S. George, and S. M. Olson, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, December 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag389

Management Considerations for Wheat Production in Florida

Higher wheat prices created the impetus for growing wheat in the southeastern United States. Since increasing amounts of corn have been diverted to ethanol production, there is a shortage of grain for America’s livestock industry. This shortage results in higher wheat and soybean prices. Wheat and soybean have been grown together as a double crop throughout the Southeast for many years, which generally increases profitability compared with growing only one of the crops. Planting wheat followed by cotton, peanut or grain sorghum has also become a common practice. The best management practices for high yields of wheat in the Southeast Coastal Plain are well established. This 3-page fact sheet lists production practices for small grains in Florida. Written by D.L. Wright, A.R. Blount, R.D. Barnett, C.L. Mackowiak, N. Dufault, and J. Marois, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag293

SSAGR333/AG343 Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor): Overview and Management

SSAGR333, a 13-page illustrated fact sheet by Yoana Newman, John Erickson, Wilfred Vermerris, and David Wright, provides an overview of the types of sorgum, criteria for selection, cultural practices, pest management, and marketing strategies. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, July 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag343

SS-AGR-181/AG188 2009 Cotton Defoliation and Harvest Aid Guide

Revised! SS-AGR-181, a 9-page illustrated guide by D. L. Wright and B. J. Brecke, discusses issues producers should consider concerning defoliation and harvest, and makes general recommendations for harvest-aid applications at various stages and conditions. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG188