sept-oct-2020

Soil Sampling Soil sampling should be done in the fall at the end of the irrigation season. Samples to 24-inch depth help assess rootzone health (pH, EC, boron, chloride and sodium) while deeper samples provide a check on leaching programs, especially if irrigation water contains enough salts for concern with salinity and toxic elements. Soil nutrient analysis can also be done on these samples, but my preference is to focus on leaf samples for input on nutrient management. Sampling at the same distance from irrigation emitter and the same soil depths every year helps for more accurate comparisons of results over time. Nutrition is Key Nutrition is a key concern in the fall, particularly for micronutrients. Foliar boron should be applied in October or November if harvest hull samples show low to adequate levels of this essential micronutrient. The general recommendation is for 0.4 pounds of actual boron per acre (for example two pounds per acre of a 20 percent boron material such as Solubor ® ) if hull levels are under 120 ppm boron. Dr. Patrick Brown, professor in the Plant Sciences Department at UC Davis, believes there may be benefit to using one pound per acre of 20 percent boron if hull levels are between 120 to 200 ppm boron. Where needed, fall foliar boron can significantly increase nut set and delivers the best return on investment of any fertilizer. The goal of fall boron spraying is to increase flower boron levels and nut set. Soil applied boron at this time of year will not get to the buds in time to make a different in set next February. Fall is also an effective timing for foliar zinc application. The traditional application timing is early November as natural leaf drop begins using a high rate (for example, 20 pounds per acre of zinc sulfate) to get zinc into the trees and accelerate leaf drop. This can be part of an integrated program for rust control, as removing infected leaves reduces inoculum NUT HARVESTING EQUIPMENT 7510 HARVESTER The 7510 harvester is the latest release in our self-propelled harvester line. Cutting-edge features and unrivaled power elevate performance to a new level. Powered by a Volvo 5 liter, Tier 4 Final, 173 HP engine, this harvester boasts the highest continuously rated horsepower in the industry. In-cab controls and hydraulics support either bankout or Herbst cart systems. The ergonomic cabin features full climate control. Conveyor systems available for almonds, walnuts or pecans. Options include paddle wheels or front wheel sweeps. • Faster, Cleaner Harvest • Power and Configurations for Heavy Windrows • Industry Leading Design and Performance Weiss McNair is proud to announce the 7510 Harvester 100 Loren Avenue, Chico, CA 95928 (530) 891-6214 | Fax (530) 891-5905 | www.weissmcnair.com For more information or to find a dealer near you, call us at (530) 891-6214 or visit our website at weissmcnair.com WM-AlmondFact 1/2v-7510.indd 1 12/3/19 5:17 PM 3 5 S E P T E M B E R – O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0