Soil Characterization for Citrus Irrigation Decision Support on Florida Sandy Soils.

Good citrus irrigation management is critical in implementing water best management practices in Florida’s sandy soils. Irrigation management decisions are governed largely by soil moisture retention capacity and hydraulic characteristics. Thus, laboratory and field studies were conducted at three sites in Florida to determine the effect of water retention and hydraulic functions on soil moisture contents in irrigated zones at 0-15-, 15-30-, and 30-45-cm soil depths using automated soil moisture sensors. Soil samples for laboratory determinations were collected randomly in five replications at the three depths of each site. The parameters determined included saturated, field capacity, and residual water contents. Changes in plant available soil water content was also calculated using the parameters and the actual soil moisture content of soils under healthy trees and trees affected by Huanglongbing.  Trends in moisture contents will be useful in aiding irrigation decision support and identifying irrigation set points for improving water use in citrus affected by Huanglongbing disease.