Jonathan A. Watson

0000-0002-6282-4203

A Farm to School Procurement Calculator for Specialty Crop Producers and School Food Service Staff

Jonathan A. Watson, Danielle Treadwell, Anna Prizzia, and Kelli Brew

Fan and Pad Greenhouse Evaporative Cooling Systems

J. A. Watson, C. Gómez, R. A. Bucklin, J. D. Leary, and D. B. McConnell

In Florida, greenhouse temperatures can easily exceed 100°F during the summer if they are not equipped with active cooling systems. Such high temperatures reduce crop quality and worker productivity. Evaporative cooling is the most common method for reducing the temperature inside a greenhouse, but it has limitations in our hot, humid climate. Air conditioning or refrigeration systems can be used, but their installation and operating costs are usually prohibitive.

Postharvest Storage, Packaging and Handling of Specialty Crops: A Guide for Florida Small Farm Producers

Jonathan Adam Watson, Danielle Treadwell, Steven A. Sargent, Jeffrey K. Brecht, and William Pelletier

Greenhouse Ventilation

J. A. Watson, C. Gómez, D. E. Buffington, R. A. Bucklin, R. W. Henley, and D. B. McConnell

Greenhouse ventilation involves removing air from inside the greenhouse and replacing it with outside air. The ventilation may be natural (caused by wind and temperature forces) or mechanical (accomplished by using fans). The purposes of ventilation are to control high temperatures during the summer caused by the influx of solar radiation, to maintain relative humidity at acceptable levels during winter, to provide uniform air flow throughout the greenhouse, and to maintain acceptable levels of gas concentration in the greenhouse. Ventilation systems for greenhouses must be considered for three climatic conditions that typically occur during the year—winter, summer, and spring–fall.

Heating Greenhouses

J. A. Watson, C. Gómez, D. E. Buffington, R. A. Bucklin, R. W. Henley, and D. B. McConnell

A greenhouse has one purpose: to provide and maintain the environment that will result in optimum crop production for maximum profit. This includes an environment for work efficiency as well as for crop growth. This publication is limited to describing equipment and methods used to control or maintain a desirable temperature in a greenhouse during those periods when supplemental heat is required.

Stray Voltages in Dairies

J. A. Watson, R. A. Bucklin, and D. R. Bray

A stray electrical current passing through a cow's body may cause reduced milk production and health problems. The electrical current can be caused by poor or faulty wiring, faulty equipment, improper grounding, or originate off the farm and be introduced through the grounded neutral wiring network. Stray voltages are usually low alternating current voltages on the grounded neutral wires of the farm wiring system. Power suppliers may use the terms neutral-to-ground voltage and neutral-to-earth voltage to refer to the problem. Lost milk production and the costs for treatment of the cow's health problems can lead to substantial economic losses.

The Role and Impact of Technology on Supply-Chain Management in the Food Industry

Jonathan A. Watson, Allen F. Wysocki, and Ray A. Bucklin

This publication discusses various technologies and their applications in the food industry and shows how those technologies can impact supply-chain management.

Fans For Greenhouses

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, D. E. Buffington, R. A. Bucklin, R. W. Henley, and D. B. McConnell

Fans are used in processing applications involved with drying, ventilating, heating, cooling, aspirating, elevating, and conveying. Processing and other agricultural activities requiring fans are greatly increasing. Costs are becoming more and more important; therefore, it is necessary that a person be able to select and apply the best fan for any installation, taking economic factors into consideration. This article introduces some important fan properties that you should consider when select a

The Feasibility of Farmer-Led Cooperatives for Southwest Florida Farm to School Procurement

Jonathan Adam Watson, Danielle D. Treadwell, Catherine Campbell, and Ray Bucklin

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Greenhouse Heating Checklist

Y. Zhang, J.A. Watson, R.A. Bucklin, P.H. Jones, B.A. Barmby, D.B. McConnell, R.W. Henley

Heating requirements inside greenhouses are affected by outdoor climates, structure characteristics, types of heating systems, and the strategies of operation and management. A properly maintained greenhouse can reduce the energy consumption and thus contribute to energy savings. This article addresses the issues that might lower the system efficiency and provides a checklist to ensure the best performance of the system.

Potential Markets for Florida Turmeric

Kevin Athearn, Jonathan Adam Watson, Paul Fisher, Maria Paz Kinslow, Marina Burani-Arouca, Brian Pearson, and Celina Gómez

This publication examines the potential markets for turmeric (Curcuma longa) grown in Florida, highlighting opportunities in fresh produce, food and beverage ingredients, and nursery markets. Turmeric, widely used in culinary dishes and wellness products, is primarily consumed in its rhizome form, as a powdered spice. The US fresh produce market for turmeric is largely supplied by imports from countries like India, Fiji, and China, presenting price competition challenges for Florida growers. Florida turmeric producers face strong competition from imports, but by focusing on quality, differentiation, and niche markets, they can enhance profitability.

Maintenance Guide for Greenhouse Ventilation, Evaporative Cooling Heating Systems

Y. Zhang, J.A. Watson, R.A. Bucklin, R.W. Henley, D.B. McConnell

Heating, cooling and ventilation are three main environmental control methods to maintain the desired growing environments. Regular maintenance of the equipment is the key to an effective performance. Any small changes or a minor downtime could reduce the overall efficiency of these systems which could lead to crop failure. This fact sheet will emphasize corrective and preventive maintenance procedures for ventilation, evaporative cooling and heating systems.

Auxiliary Power Units For Greenhouse Operations

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, R. A. Bucklin, and R. W. Henley

Greenhouses require energy to thrive. Most greenhouses require fans, water pumps, heating equipment for operation. A backup generator will keep a greenhouse operational with uninterruptible power supply. When selecting a generator, it is crucial to know how much power the backup generator needs to maintain the essential operations of the greenhouse. Besides, choosing a proper unit and installing and operating it correctly are critical for success. This article provides guidelines for generator s

Potential Markets for Florida Ginger

Kevin Athearn, Jonathan Adam Watson, Paul Fisher, Maria Paz Kinslow, Marina Burani-Arouca, Brian Pearson, and Celina Gómez

This publication explores the potential markets for ginger (Zingiber officinale) grown in Florida, focusing on opportunities in fresh produce, food and beverage ingredients, and nursery markets. Ginger is widely used in a variety of culinary dishes and wellness products, primarily consumed as the rhizome, or ginger root. The US fresh produce market for ginger is dominated by imports from China, Peru, and Brazil, making price competition challenging. Florida ginger producers face significant competition, but by focusing on quality, differentiation, and exploring niche markets, they can enhance profitability.

Florida Greenhouse Design

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, R. A. Bucklin

Greenhouse design considerations are critical in regulating optimal climatic conditions where plants are grown. The structural systems, building components and materials, and machinery equipment play a central role in greenhouse efficiency. Yet, many design considerations vary greatly with region and geography. This article describes greenhouse design considerations specific to Florida’s unique environment. It a includes descriptions of framing types and materials, design load consideration with

An Introduction to Sizing Centrifugal Pumps in Aquaculture

Jordan Neff, J. A. Watson, and W. A. Porter

This publication explains the basic methodology used to size pumps for aquaculture systems; however, these concepts can be applied to a variety of pumping systems. Written by Jordan Neff, J. A. Watson, and W. A. Porter, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, September 2022.

Making an Effective Virtual Scientific Poster Presentation

Joe Barrett Carter III, Jithran Ekanayake, Taisha Venort, Kelsey Vought, Shannon Noble, and Adam Watson

This publication aims to provide guidance, strategies, and recommended tools to help aspiring presenters effectively adapt to the virtual environment and present their findings. Written by Joe Barrett Carter III, Jithran Ekanayake, Taisha Venort, Kelsey Vought, Shannon Noble, and Adam Watson, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, December 2023.