IN YOUR ORCHARD
David Doll,
Tree Nut Pomology
Farm Advisor,
Merced County
areas within the orchard. Once sampled and analyzed, use
these results to determine the rates of calcium, magnesium or
other soil amendments.
Calcium is the most widely applied soil amendment within
California. It is sourced through a variety of products, but
the cheapest are either lime or gypsum. Lime should only
be used when pH is below seven, while gypsum can be
used at any pH. If the soil is alkaline (high pH) and has
high amounts of calcium, acidifying the soil will free up
calcium. If deficient on magnesium, dolomite could be
soil applied during the dormant period. Other products
are available that can be surface applied or water-ran -
contact your local UCCE farm advisor or agronomist for
products and rates.
Soil should also be sampled regularly from orchards to
determine nutrient and mineral levels. This type of sampling
is different from sampling for water infiltration, as samples
should be taken from multiple depths and areas within a
field. If the management of the block are the same, then
samples from the same depths can be pooled to help save
on expenses. Cores should be sampled in 12-inch increments
to a minimal depth of 36 inches, and in the cases of salinity
management, down to 60 inches. Nutrients within the soil,
the calcium:magnesium balance, soil pH and salinity should
be discussed with a consultant, certified crop adviser, or the
local UC Farm Advisor.
The Final Thought
A bit of news on a personal side: I will be
leaving extension to pursue a position in
farm development. The past 10 years have
been very rewarding, and I have enjoyed
assisting California farmers with their
operations. To all the farmers, pest control
advisors and other industry members who
have assisted me over the past 10 years:
Thank you! As of now, I plan to maintain
the “The Almond Doctor” blog (www.
thealmonddoctor.com) to provide further
assistance to the industry and hope to
“catch up” at the various industry events.
Once trees are defoliated, dormant practices should begin. This
includes spur sampling and mummy removal.
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A L M O N D F A C T S
