IN YOUR ORCHARD
Research funded by Project Apis m . is investigating the connection of cover crops to lower overnight temperatures and attempting to develop frost-damage mitigation strategies that farmers can implement in their fields. Dr. Kosana Suvočarev, Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis, is conducting research to investigate the potential of timed sprinkler irrigation on cover crops to serve as a frost-protection strategy. This method experiments with turning on sprinklers before an anticipated frost event, which creates ice formation in the orchard that then releases heat, resulting in higher overnight temperatures and the capacity to mitigate frost damage. These management strategies are still being studied but aim to provide more insight into potential measures and protocols for frost prevention to minimize potential damage in the future. More research is still needed to confirm the efficacy of such a practice. Stay tuned as new and evolving management practices emerge from scientific research, industry practices and innovative growers. 4 Until more conclusive research is published, concerns about frost in your orchard should be addressed by terminating the cover crop to protect your orchard from prolonged exposure to critically low nighttime temperatures. If you are worried about frost, a common practice is to low-mow (less than 2 inches) to achieve early termination of the cover crop. Learn more about cover crops and the Climate Smart Grant Cover crops can be used to address many of the issues that we see in our fields — issues such as erosion, water runoff, compaction, loss of pollinator habitat and other complications related to many years of intensive management and degraded soil conditions. There are several programs and resources aimed at assisting almond growers financially to integrate cover crops into their orchards, as well as empowering them with the technical knowledge and skills to continue leading the charge in sustainable farming strategies. More growers are making the shift toward regenerative practices and using cover crops to boost resilience to changing conditions caused by climate change.
To learn more about cover crops, the Seeds for Bees program, or the Climate Smart Grant reach out to Brett LeDuc, Climate Smart Habitat Manager, at Project Apis m. for more information.
Brett LeDuc, Climate Smart Habitat Manager, Project Apis m . Brett@projectapism.org
References: 1. Cover crop research review: How can it help almonds ? — The Almond Doctor. https://thealmonddoctor.com/ cover-crop-research-almonds/ 2. N avel Orangeworm / Walnut / Agriculture: Pest Management Guidelines / UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM) (ucanr.edu). https://ipm.ucanr.edu/ agriculture/walnut/navel-orangeworm/ 3. H ouston Wilson, Kent M Daane, Jessica J Maccaro, Reva S Scheibner, Kadie E Britt, Amélie C M Gaudin, Winter Cover Crops Reduce Spring Emergence and Egg Deposition of Overwintering Navel Orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Almonds, Environmental Entomology, Volume 51, Issue 4, August 2022, Pages 790–797, https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvac051. 4. S uvočarev, Kosana. Personal interview. 30 October 2023.
44
ALMOND FACTS
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker