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Is my soil good enough for pecans?

Pecans will not grow under low, wet conditions. A pecan orchard growing on poor, unproductive soil produces only disappointment. Many new growers struggle for 10 to 20 years before realizing that their problems began with the soil where they planted their trees. Generally, pecans grow as native plants in river bottoms, and the alluvial soils found in these bottoms usually make the best orchard sites. Pecans require at least 3 feet of well-drained soil above the minimum depth of the water table to develop a strong root system. Pecans planted on shallow soils having poor internal drainage never develop into large, productive trees.

The planting site should have good surface and internal drainage, receive full sun, and be at least 30 feet from a building, other trees, or a power line.

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Filed Under: Agriculture, Commercial Fruit and Nuts, Fruit January 19, 2024

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Mississippi blueberry producers have two opportunities during February to learn more about production of the state’s largest fruit crop. The Mississippi State University Extension Service is hosting an in-person workshop and a virtual workshop.

Filed Under: Agriculture, Commercial Horticulture, Commercial Fruit and Nuts, Greenhouse Tomatoes December 11, 2023

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Current and prospective greenhouse vegetable growers can learn about the specialized production method during Mississippi State University’s 2024 Greenhouse Vegetable Short Course on Feb. 27-28. The course will be held at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center’s Magnolia Building in Verona from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It is open to greenhouse vegetable producers throughout the Southeast.

A hand holds five pecans.
Filed Under: Commercial Fruit and Nuts, Nuts November 3, 2023

A late freeze, high summertime temperatures and a devastating drought mean a poor pecan crop for Mississippi in 2023.
Eric Stafne, fruit and nut specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said weather stacked the odds against a good crop this year.

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Portrait of Dr. Eric Stafne
Extension/Research Professor