General info
The southeastern one third and two thirds of the upper half of the state consist of undulating plains, steep ridges and high peaks. Virtually the entire state is in the drainage basin of the Colorado River. The principal gorge is the world famed Grand Canyon. The temperature range between day and night is extreme, especially at elevations above 1524 m where the nights are cool and comfortable. The southern section of Arizona has a delightful winter season which has made the area a Mecca for winter tourists, retired persons and health seekers. At lower elevations in the Gila and Colorado River Valleys, a few locations often escape killing frosts for two to three years in succession. Most of the vegetable crops are grown in the southwestern part of the state. In this area, rainfall generally averages about 127 m a year with a few areas receiving as much as 254 m. Early spring lettuce, cantaloupes, green onions, cabbage and miscellaneous vegetables are grown. More labor saving equipment will be in the fields soon for all vegetable crops. The principal vegetable producing areas are Yuma and Maricopa Counties, with smaller plantings in the Cochise, Pima, Pinal and LaPaz Counties. Citrus (grapefruit, oranges and lemons) is produced only in Maricopa and Yuma Counties. Arizona also produces apples, grapes and pecan. Ornamental horticulture is increasing in importance and contributes to the state's agricultural income. Nursery crops account for 91% of all income attributed to ornamental horticulture. Cut flowers are an important segment of ornamental horticulture. The ornamental industry is centered in Maricopa, Yuma and Pima Counties. Rapid development of a greenhouse vegetable crops industry has been a success in areas with higher elevations in Southeastern Arizona. High quality hydroponic tomatoes are grown year-round for a nationwide fresh vegetable market. Combination of exhausting fans and evaporative cooling pad (fan-and-pad cooling) is a common cooling method and effective to cool greenhouses in this dry climate. Rockwool culture with drip irrigation is a common means of crop system. Greenhouse vegetable industries are in Graham, Cochise, and Navaho counties. Organisations / Institutes:
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Last updated: Thu Dec 11 22:48:59 NFT 2003