Managing Water and Nutrients for Sustainable Citrus Production

Current Florida citrus production is about 50% of national production. Good water and nutrient management are key strategies for maintaining high yields in citrus. My program seeks the following short-, medium- and long-term goals: 1) Develop and implement sustainable strategies that optimize water management for citrus production, conservation of water, and water quality; 2) Conduct research to improve water and nutrient use efficiency in citrus production systems and maximizing productivity of citrus trees affected by Huanglongbing (HLB) disease; 3) Develop local and regional water use models taking into consideration citrus planting systems, tree water requirements, irrigation scenarios, and water use for cold protection; 4) Apply precision agricultural technologies for local and regional water management; and 5) Develop best management practices for water conservation and quality maintenance for surface and ground water sources. Current research targets optimizing nutrient and water application and delivery methods for achieving citrus best management practices. Methods to achieve these goals include 1) conducting greenhouse and field experiments, 2) performing computer simulations for soilwater-plant processes, 3) delivering extension/outreach programs for commercial citrus growers and industry representatives and 4) leveraging funding opportunities with UF collaborators and scientists from other institutions and universities.

Biography: Dr. Kadyampakeni is an Assistant Professor of Soil and Water Science at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center with 30% extension and 70% research appointments. His research interests focus on nutrient and water management of citrus and other tree crops. He has more than 10 years’ experience working on irrigation and nutrient management of citrus and vegetables at UF and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), where he worked prior to rejoining UF. He has authored/co-edited 3 books and 5 book chapters. Dr. Kadyampakeni has published 29 articles in refereed journals and 46 conference proceedings papers, technical reports, and extension bulletins. He is an active professional member of the American Society of Horticultural Science, Florida State Horticultural Society, Soil Science Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, and American Society of Agronomy. He currently chairs the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) Sensor-based Water Management Community, The ‘W4128 Microirrigation: A Sustainable Technology for Crop Intensification and Improved Crop Productivity’ Multistate Project, and the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Citrus Working Group. Davie is the Vice-Chair of the Agriculture Water Conservation and Quality Priority Working Group for the Water Initiative of UF/IFAS Extension roadmap. Davie is an advisor to 6 graduate students and serves on committees of 7 additional graduate students in Horticulture and Soil and Water Sciences.