The Enhancement of the Sustainable Fruit Orchard project will work toward further expanding the previously funded Sustainable Citrus Plus project. Through the work of Louis Gusky and Josiah Jackson, two interns working with Dr. Recsetar at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center greenhouse, the project will further improve the efficiency of the watering cycle and environment for the trees planted outside of the hydroponic greenhouse. They will address issues like frost prevention, sun damage, and crop loss through this additional grant. The installation of a shade structure, screen, winter tree covers, and pest screens will provide the necessary protection for the trees. The tree trunks will also be painted with white paint to prevent sunburn and pest damage. Other water efficiency improvements include the installation of rain gutter covers that will help prevent the clogging and loss of rainwater for their rainwater harvesting system and in-soil sensors to determine the most optimal water cycle for the trees to both save water and help the trees grow quickly.
All proposed enhancements to the fruit orchard have been made to encourage a strong and healthy environment for the peach, plum, tangelo, pluot, lime, and lemon trees within the orchard. With the installation of the automatic watering system, all six trees will be watered once the soil moisture reaches a specific point. This enhancement to the watering system should allow for little to no additional hose water being used. Trees within the orchard were bolstered with a rodent and insect repelling paint and screens on the fruit. West facing shade cloth was installed, and a fence now further protects the trees. Signage has been installed on the greenhouse walls that proudly officializes the orchard!
