Robyn Stewart
Here in the Southeast, we are no stranger to a variety of summer weather but over the past month we have watched the typical Georgia summer devolve into a severe region-wide drought. The October 8th Georgia Drought Monitor identified that over 50% of the state is in a state of severe drought and 97% of the state is experiencing moderate drought conditions. For the month of September, Lincoln County had less than an inch of measurable rainfall, and this, combined with record heat, has led to many challenges with homeowners and livestock producers alike.
The current drought conditions are posing a serious issue for livestock producers in our county. The combination of heat and lack of rain has led to a shorter hay production than typical for our region, with some producers estimating a 30% loss of their crop. Since most forage producers across the state are in a similar situation, hay availability will likely be low this winter and hay prices will rise to reflect that. In addition to the inability to complete hay harvest, we are seeing a big impact on the ability of all livestock to glean the nutrition they need from dormant and dead pastures. The lack of rain has also caused a delay in the planting of cool season grasses, and at this rate, we may not get to plant those grasses at all. These challenges with forage and pasture has led producers to begin looking at alternate feeding strategies for their stock and to begin culling to reduce the numbers they have to feed through winter.
While the drought creates ongoing trouble for our livestock producers, our homeowners are also feeling its impact. Homeowners may find that plants and gardens are experiencing significant stress and that the rate of dormancy and death is on the rise. To help mitigate the effects of this hot, dry weather, plants should be watered with approximately 1” of water once per week. Keep in mind that plants that are young or newly transplanted will be most susceptible to stress and disease during this time. Homeowners should prioritize their care towards trees and shrubs planted in the last two years, established trees and shrubs that are the largest investment of time and money in the landscape, and rare or unusual plants that would be hard to replace.
Another segment of home landscape to consider is lawn and turfgrasses. Brown turf that has gone dormant can survive between 5-8 weeks with minimal water, but Lincoln County conditions are now pushing the outer boundary of that time frame. Lawns that are newly established must be irrigated as they will not have established extensive root systems. If you have been watering and irrigating your lawn, you should continue to do so at a rate of 1” of water once per week. If you have not been watering your lawn, you should not begin now. The long-term survival of turf after the drought can be encouraged by watering once every four weeks with between ¼ to ½ of an inch of water to hydrate the turf plant crowns. Herbicide application and fertilization attempts should wait until the rain returns, and homeowners should avoid heavy foot traffic or wheel traffic during this time, as stressed turf will be easily killed. It will be hard to tell how much turf has survived until after the rains return and new growth begins.
While the break in temperature this week has relieved some of the stress of this drought, we are still waiting on rain. Fortunately, Lincoln County is forecast to receive several days of rain in the next week or so, which will help to offset the droughts impact in our area. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to us at the UGA Lincoln County Extension Office.
Question of the week: What cultivar of Pears would do well in Lincoln County?
Answer: Orient is a fantastic option characterized by large white fruit that keeps well.
Information supplemented by Purdue University and NC State Extension articles.
