MAY | JUNE 2017
Almond Facts
33
More Options for
Managing Dust
Even with a low-dust harvester, growers should still look at
environmental conditions before harvesting, and implement
best practices for reducing dust. This includes:
• Adjusting the blower spout so it blows into the
orchard and away from the road;
• Setting sweeper heads one-half inch off the ground;
• Using wire tines;
• Slowing speed to reduce dust; and
• Slowing down separator fans.
Contact your nearest USDA Service Center for
information on the NRCS Environmental Quality
Incentives Program.
Dust Management Resources
Acquiring or using low-dust harvest equipment may not be an
option for all, so Almond Board of California has prepared
several resources for almond growers that explain research-
based tools and techniques to reduce dust during harvest.
These include:
• Managing Dust at Harvest technical guide
(in English and Spanish);
• Managing Dust at Harvest video (in English and
Spanish), which demonstrates the steps outlined
in the technical guide;
• Short videos that outline dust management strategies
according to stage of harvest: Preharvest, Sweeping
and Pickup (in English and Spanish); and
• Harvest Dust Tool Kit, with a key chain to
measure sweeper head height, as well as window
clings and a durable guide to the top four
dust-reduction strategies.
These resources and more, including a Sweeper Cost Analysis
Calculator, are available at Almonds.com/HarvestDust.
