Leaf analysis and salinity monitoring

Written by Joe Connell, Butte County Farm Advisor Leaf analysis for the full range of nutrients is best done in July when nutrient levels in leaf tissue are stabilized. Published July critical values established for almond by U.C. researchers can help guide you in your fertilization practice.  Analysis can reveal specific nutrient deficiencies or can alert you to developing trends when results are compared from one year to another.  Keeping trees in the adequate zone for nitrogen can save on fertilizer costs by helping to avoid over fertilization. 

July 4, 2014

Happy 100th Birthday, UC Cooperative Extension

In 1914, the Smith-Lever act establish funding for localized farm advisors to extend information to farmers and rural areas to increase farm productivity. Over the past 100 years, UC advisors across California have been integrated into many communities, providing guidance for agricultural productivity, youth development (4-H), human nutrition, and urban horticulture (UC Master Gardeners). The almond industry has benefited from the work of these effort. With over 60 years of research and collaboration of the UC ANR, The Almond Board of California, and almond farmers statewide have increased production from less than 1000 lbs/acre to a statewide average of 2400 lbs/acre. Significant contributions of UC research include:

May 2, 2014

Q&A Drought Management for Almond

A few lingering questions from the various presentations on almond drought management over the past few weeks. I thought I would address some in a quick Q and A. Q. How should I plan to irrigate my trees?

March 18, 2014

Severe Drought Management Recommendations for Almond

UC researchers have urged growers not to take aggressive actions in reducing tree size or crop load in response to the West side water shortages this year. Severe pruning will increase new growth which would increase the leaf surface and evapo-transpiration rates (ETc) of the tree. Crop thinning has a similar effect and is also not recommended. By reducing crop load, the source/sink ratio of the tree is disturbed, causing the tree to put nutrients into vegetative growth instead of the nuts.

January 16, 2014

2013 Top Ten Articles

Following a long standing tradition of developing a “Top 10” list to celebrate the old and bring in the new year, I compiled the top 10 articles read on The Almond Doctor in 2013.

December 31, 2013

2013 Almond Conference Posters

Below are my three posters that were presented at the 2013 Annual Almond Board Industry Conference. Please let me know if you have any questions.

December 6, 2013

End of Year Expense Considerations

At this time of the year, many farmers are looking through the books and realizing the financial return of their orchard operations. With a profit, money can be spent on orchard improvements and equipment, which often have tax saving benefits.  In the case of a negative return, operations should be reviewed and a strategy should be developed and implemented to make the orchard profitable. Regardless of returns, the following should be considered to help make orchard operations run more efficiently for next (and future) seasons.

November 22, 2013

Sustainable Nutrient Management: a Review.

Almond harvest looks to be progressing well (knock, knock).  Orchard fertility/nutrition planning for the 2014 is beginning.  Now is a good opportunity to review the basics of almond orchard nutrient management.  While some of what follows will be review for many readers, a quick review may be of value. Sustainable nutrient management comes down to the four R’s – the Right Rate, the Right Time, the Right Place, and the Right Material.  A sustainable approach to orchard nutrition is intended to optimize crop production and maximizing net profit while reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

September 9, 2013

Postharvest Fertilization – Q&A

Q. How much nitrogen should be applied in the postharvest period? A. This depends.  This should be based upon the current tissue N levels detected from mid-July sampling. If within the prescribed ranges of leaf N (2.2-2.5%), 20% of the budget should be planned for application. If richer (>2.5%), slightly less can be added. If really high N leaf levels are observed (>3.0% in mid-July), postharvest fertigation may not be needed. 

August 17, 2013

Almonds and VOCs – Reminder!

Written by Tunyalee Martin, UC IPM It’s that time of year again when hot weather fuels the creation of ozone, or smog. Some pesticides emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to ozone formation. Using pesticides that release VOCs may be restricted in certain California locations between May 1 and October 31. If you plan to apply a pesticide, use the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s VOC calculators to determine emissions from fumigant and nonfumigant pesticides. Get there by clicking on the Air Quality button at the top of each treatment table in the UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Almond.

July 9, 2013