Arkansas's First Horticulture Discovery Farm
Research-based recommendations and trainings for irrigation in specialty crops in Arkansas have previously been lacking, and horticulture crop producers frequently struggle with efficiently managing irrigation. In order to develop better irrigation practices for specialty crops, Arkansas's first horticulture discovery farm was established in 2019 in conjunction with Mark and Steve Morgan of Peach Pickin' Paradise in Johnson County, Arkansas.
Horticulture Discovery Farm Goals
- Develop better irrigation practices for specialty crops
- Provide specialty crop growers with an on-farm demonstration of improved practices
Project Leads
Dr. Amanda McWhirt
Horticulture Production Extension Specialist
501-671-2229
Lizzy Herrera
Program Associate- Horticulture
501-671-2392
Farm Collaborators
Mark and Steve Morgan are the owners and operators of Peach Pickin’ Paradise, a pick your own operation with over 20 varieties of peaches and nectarines located in Johnson County, Arkansas. The Morgan family has been farming peaches and nectarines since the 1920’s and are well respected in their community and across the state. This made them ideal candidates for hosting a specialty crop Discovery Farm as they are already model growers who other growers look to as an example of success.
Data Collection
The two key areas being monitored at Peach Pickin’ Paradise were irrigation water quality and scheduling. The Morgan’s water sources are regularly sampled to ensure compliance with federal food safety regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Multiple moisture sensors were also installed in both newly planted and established peach trees. The sensors allow us to record and monitor water application patterns and scheduling as well as temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall. Plant tissue nutrient samples are also collected to see how improved irrigation patterns might impact uptake by the trees.
Resources
- MP 29 Peach Rootstock Could Offer Protection from Peach Tree Short Life- AR Fruit, Veg & Nut Update Blog Post
- Arkansas's First Horticulture Discovery Farm- AR Fruit, Veg & Nut Update Blog Post
- Arkansas Discovery Farms Program
***MORE TO COME SOON***
This project is supported by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's
Specialty Crop Block Program
