Status of Irrigation Water Use on Pecans in Georgia: Lesson for Growers, Extension Specialists, Extension Agents, Professional Farm Managers, and Appraisers

This study examines recent irrigation water use by pecan farmers in Georgia. Data on yields, total water use, and irrigation cost was collected. In total, data from 10 systems were obtained and analyzed. Data was acquired via a survey instrument that was mailed to likely participants. Yearly averages were calculated for water use, irrigation cost, and crop yield. Irrigation water use numbers were combined with rainfall data to produce total water application numbers for each year from 1999 to 2003. Our analysis showed that on the average, pecan farmers in Georgia are not supplying their trees with enough total water needed for optimum yield based on the recommended 48 inches per year.