Florida Growers’ Perceptions of Adopting Cover Crops in Citrus Production

Florida is a leading producer of citrus (Citrus spp.). However, the state’s citrus industry has been devastated by the citrus greening disease [Huanglongbing (HLB)], and production and acreage have almost halved since 2005–06. Cover crops are non-cash crops that are used extensively in row crop production to improve soil microbial activity and organic matter, for nitrogen fixing, and for reducing soil erosion. Given that Florida has sandy soils with low organic matter, citrus growers could benefit from adopting cover crops as healthier soils could improve yields and fruit quality of citrus trees. Cover crop adoption, however, would depend on various factors including potential increases in production costs, profitability, actual tree improvement, and growers’ attitudes toward the practice. In this study we develop a survey that gathers information on Florida citrus growers’ perceptions and attitudes towards cover crop adoption. We collect information on demographics, production practices, conservation practices, and perceptions of cover crops benefits. We use this information to compare perceptions of cover crop benefits and costs, grove characteristics, and the production challenges for adopters and nonadopters. The survey offers insights into uncertainties related to cover crop adoption in perennial fruit production systems that could outweigh the perceived benefits of cover crops among growers. Understanding the factors that affect adoption will provide important insights which could be used by growers, researchers, and policymakers to promote and incentivize adoption of cover crops or similar conservation practices. Our study is the first of its kind to inform about the factors that affect cover crop adoption among citrus growers.