harvest irrigation. Beyond bee nutrition, brassicas improve soil by breaking up compaction with their deep roots. Meanwhile, legumes like vetches, bell beans, and clovers typically start to flower near the end of almond bloom, fixing atmospheric nitrogen and providing forage when other sources are scarce. Flowering cover crops also support native pollinators, whose presence has been shown to increase honey bee activity and bloom visitation. While native pollinators contribute to almond pollination, competition may enhance honey bee efficiency. In a study by the Almond Board of California, it was theorized that wild pollinators boost honey bee pollination by encouraging bees to cross between cultivars more frequently. This increased movement between rows can improve the efficiency of pollination, which can prove vital in seasons with poor pollination weather. Additionally, boosting native pollinator populations promotes biodiversity as they pollinate wildflowers and other crops after almonds. Originally collaborating with beekeepers, Project Apis m . identified early flowering cover crop species to supplement forage during almond bloom. Brassicas emerged as a solution, benefiting both bees and almond growers by improving water infiltration and soil organic matter. The challenge was selecting the right plants and managing their growth to align bloom timing with bee and almond pollination needs. Through partnerships with growers and advisors, seed suppliers have developed optimized cover crop mixes and strategies to maximize benefits for bees, soil and farmers. Programs like Blue Diamond ’s Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant, OSIP, and Project Apis m .’s Seeds for Bees ® have driven widespread cover crop adoption in almonds over the past decade. As shown by a recent Almond Board of California survey, 20% of almond farmers now consistently plant cover crops. By subsidizing seed costs and offering
technical guidance, these initiatives help growers confidently implement cover crops to enhance bee health, soil quality, and crop productivity. To learn more about cover crops, the Seeds for Bees ® program, or Blue Diamond Growers ’ Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant, contact Tom Johnson, Seeds for Bees ® Grant Manager at Project Apis m . (tom@projectapism.org).
TGS IS IN THE ZONE Make Amends Using The Schmeiser Orchard Max Aerator
Post-Harvest means it’s time to add soil amendments. Patented Smart-Till Tines fracture and open the soil 8” deep with little soil disturbance. Excel at incorporating amendments such as fertilizer or gypsum directly to the soil for Max results. • Incorporate soil ammendments • Reduces soil compaction • Fast at 6-8 mph reducing cost/acre
Tom Johnson, Seeds for Bees ® Grant Manager, Project Apis m.
Call your dealer for a demo or see the video in action at www.TGSchmeiser.com
Better Root Zone Management from
1-800-288-8128 • www.tgschmeiser.com
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MAY–JUNE 2025
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