IN YOUR ORCHARD
TIME TO CONSIDER Harvest always seems to arrive faster than expected, and in many years, growers are still in the middle of shaking and pickup when post-harvest decisions need to be made. While the focus may still be on getting this year’s crop to the huller, successful almond production requires looking ahead. The foundation for next year’s crop begins long before dormancy, and the weeks immediately following harvest are some of the most important of the entire season.
Planning for Success Post-harvest is an excellent time to sit down with your PCA, CCA, irrigation specialist and farm management team to evaluate the season and review: • Yield results and quality reports
Water Remains the Top Priority If there is one post-harvest practice that should never be overlooked, it is irrigation. Almond trees are unique because harvest occurs during the same period that flower bud differentiation for next year’s crop takes place. During late summer and early fall, the tree is determining which buds will become flower buds and which will remain vegetative. Water stress during this critical period can significantly reduce bloom density, fruit set and ultimately yield potential the following season. Research continues to reinforce that maintaining adequate irrigation after harvest is critical for: • Flower bud development • Carbohydrate production and storage • Nutrient uptake and redistribution • Root health • Normal leaf retention until natural senescence Current recommendations continue to support irrigating as close as possible to full crop evapotranspiration (ETc) after harvest when water supplies are available. Premature defoliation caused by water stress limits the movement of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus from leaves into storage tissues that support spring growth. Post-Harvest Nitrogen: Less is Often More The days of routinely applying 75 to 100 pounds of nitrogen after harvest are largely behind us. Research has consistently shown that excessive post- harvest nitrogen applications do not improve orchard productivity and can increase losses to the environment. Current Almond Board Best Management Practices
• Leaf tissue analyses • Soil sample results • Hull analyses • Water use records
With increasing input costs and tightening regulatory requirements, developing a detailed nutrient and crop protection budget has become more important than ever. A well-developed plan reduces uncertainty and helps ensure timely decisions throughout the following season.
Post-harvest irrigation. Photo credit: Mel Machado
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ALMOND FACTS
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