Increasing input prices are being observed across the farming sector. Fertilizer prices have increased due to demand, government regulations, weather, trade issues, and energy prices. Prices are some of the highest in a decade, with nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer prices nearly double what they were in 2020. Within almonds, maintaining the proper fertilizer status within the tree is important to maintain yields. Research projects have determined how much of each major nutrient is needed for the tree to maximally produce. These studies first occurred in the early 1990’s and were re-done between 2008-2013. In summary, the projects concluded that for every 1000 lbs of almond kernels harvested, 68 lbs of nitrogen, 92 lbs of K2O, and ~12 lbs of P2O5 are removed from the orchard. These nutrients need to be re-applied to maintain yields. Leaf tissue, soil samples and other in-season assays and monitoring can be used to determine if optimal levels have been achieved. If optimal levels are present, input levels should only match crop demand, while if excess amounts are present, applications can be reduced. These adjustments will help reduce waste, run-off, and leaching.   More on this here and here. Nitrogen (N) usage and uptake occurs when there are leaves on the tree. As such, N applications should only occur in-season. When applying N, more than 68 lbs/1000 kernel pounds of production is applied – typically around 85 lbs/1000 kernel pounds of production. This inefficiency of about 20-30% considers the N lost to NOx conversion, run-off, and leaching. Fortunately, I have observed many orchards much more efficient than this. These orchards have been able to reduce N amounts applied based on the observation of high N within leaf samples.  They have found that maintaining N levels at 2.5% in mid-July allow for the maintenance of high yields (>3000