TIME TO CONSIDER
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Almond Facts
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016
occurring as late as bloom. Furthermore, the higher the
CEC, the higher the rate of potassium. Soils with low
CECs should consider split applications between dormant
and in-season to help assist in maintaining adequate tree
potassium levels.
Dormant Leaching Program
If planning to leach during the dormant period, it is
important to begin this process early in the dormant
period prior to root expansion (mid-January). Enough
water must be applied to fill the soil profile. Once the
profile is full, smaller quantities of water applied either
through rain or more frequent irrigation is the best way
to move salts below the root-zone. Ideally, it is best to
refill the profile early with irrigation water, as subsequent
rainfall will aid the leaching process. Be careful not to
saturate the soil for prolonged periods because this may
increase the risk of root diseases. Also, keep in mind the
timing of soil amendments and fertilizers. Applications of
calcium can assist with leaching boron and sodium, while
in some soils, applying potassium prior to the leaching
program will be wasteful. Contact your local UCCE farm
advisor or agronomist for a recommended amendment
rate and application procedure for your soil type.
Pruning of Young and
Mature Orchards
Pruning of mature and young trees often occurs during the
winter months. Research has shown that reduced pruning
on younger trees can lead to larger, earlier yields. This is
mostly due to increase canopy that is able to produce crop.
Nevertheless, some structuring of first and second leaf trees
may be needed to address tight branch angles and close
proximity of scaffolds, which leads to included wood and
weak branches. These branches will split when the crop
load begins to increase, typically around year four or five.
Prune only when rain is not in the forecast to avoid wound
infections by pathogenic fungi that disperse spores during
rain events. Wounds can be susceptible up to two weeks
Scale feeding can kill limbs. Populations
should be monitored during the dormant period
time to determine if treatment is needed.
Gurreet Brar, CSU Fresno.
