Enhancement of the Sustainable Fruit Orchard

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.