2017 ASHS Annual Conference

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of south Texas is the citrus producing region of the state and is known for its high value, deep red colored grapefruit crop varieties. After more than a century of citrus production in the LRGV, almost all citrus groves are grown on laser-leveled ground and irrigated using conventional flood irrigation practices. Adoption of alternative and more conservative irrigation management strategies, such as drip, microjet sprinkler irrigation is slow due to low water pricing and dependence on a low pressure canal delivery system. Several alternative irrigation methods have been proposed to citrus growers over the past several decades with little adoption. However, a newly proposed grove design using raised beds covered with permeable mesh tarp has taken traction with rapid adoption by many citrus producers that are installing new groves. The raised bed design incorporates an integrated management approach to solving many field related challenges simultaneously. From replicated studies and on-farm demonstration trials, raised beds covered with tarp has led increased water holding capacity and soil temperature, improved pest and soil borne pathogen control, and enhanced tree growth and yield compared to conventional tree plantings.