Orchard Management
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Irrigation & Soil
Profile Establishment
Profile Establishment
Most horticultural regions, in particular those areas containing almond orchards, have recently experienced a combination of two scenarios: 1. less rainfall than the already low, average, annual rainfall (e.g. Loxton Research Centre mean annual rainfall from 1984-2008 was 264mm compared with 172mm in 2008), and 2. a recent increase in the use of drip irrigation systems. If not managed appropriately, the combination of these two scenarios has the potential to greatly affect tree performance and yield.
Soil Acidification
Soil Acidification
The formation of acid in soil is a side effect of most forms of modern agriculture and can be particularly important in intensive systems. Many of the soils used in Australian agriculture initially had pH values suitable for growth of most plants or have residual calcium carbonate (lime) that counteracts the effects of any acidity formed.
Drought Strategies for Almonds
Drought Strategies for Almonds
Most growers will have a strategy in place to reduce the impact of the drought. This Fact Sheet summarises information put together during previous droughts that may assist in further building or fine tuning your drought strategy.
Super Soils
Super Soils
Australian horticultural industries face an ongoing requirement of increasing their productivity to remain world competitive. Productivity is a complex topic involving numerous components, but a key area is the efficient use of our natural resources leading to high yields per ML of irrigation water or kg of fertiliser at reduced costs.
Water Budgeting
Water Budgeting
Periods of water stress are detrimental to tree production and are best avoided by closely monitoring potential tree water use for effective irrigation scheduling.
CT Trial Statistical Update
CT Trial Statistical Update
The Almond Board of Australia with the assistance of Horticulture Australia Ltd has undertaken a production based, research and development project entitled “Developing Optimal Nutritional and Irrigation Requirements for Almonds” or “the CT Trial” over the time period of 2003-2010.
Nutrition
Leaf Tissue Analysis Review
Leaf Tissue Analysis Review
Plant analysis as a method to diagnose plant health, dates back to the early 1900’s (Reuter & Robinson 1997). Plant analysis has been developed to provide information on the nutrient status of plants as a guide to nutrient management for optimal plant production whilst also minimising the risk of environmental and economic cost of over-fertilisation (Reuter & Robinson 1997).
Timing of Inputs
Timing of Inputs
Soil solution monitoring beneath an Almond irrigation and nutrition trial identified key considerations for managing fertigation in high input/high yield almond production systems. This factsheet reports issues relating to the timing of nutrient applications.
Balancing Nutrient Input and Output
Balancing Nutrient Input and Output
Soil solution monitoring beneath an Almond irrigation and nutrition trial identified key considerations for managing fertigation in high input/high yield almond production systems. This factsheet reports issues relating to the balance between nutrient applications, irrigation and crop requirements.
Post Harvest Nutrition
Post Harvest Nutrition
The idea of post harvest application of fertilisers and the issues discussed below will not be new information for most growers; however the aim will be to revisit the basics. In addition it is a good time as well to consider whether there is a place for the bud-building foliar sprays used to improve bud strength at the ABA’s Almond Optimisation Trial located at CT Farms (“CT Trial”).
It's Not Just NPK
It’s Not Just NPK
Too often when fertigation schedules are drawn up the main focus is on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Naturally they are the main macro elements required in large quantities for tree growth and crop production however there are also other macro and micro elements that are required in varying quantities.
Pollination
Pollination 101
Pollination 101
As almond growers, we all know that bees are needed to pollinate our trees so that we can get a crop. If the pollination is reduced due to adverse weather conditions or the poor synchronisation between varieties is reduced, low yields can result. But why is this? What is the biology involved in an almond tree that requires bees and multiple varieties in order to get a crop?
Better Almond Pollination
Better Almond Pollination
Good pollination provides the foundation for good yield, so it is important to ensure that honeybee hives are provided in the most effective manner. Saul Cunningham’s research focused on the influence of pollination strategy on bee activity (which drives pollination) and the flower to fruit conversion ratio (which is strongly influenced by pollination).
Phenology standard for Almonds
Phenology standard for Almonds
Phenology describes when particular growth stages occur, with an emphasis on seasonal or climatic changes. It provides useful information that can assist in orchard operations and to researchers. It is important that the description of the phenological stages is clear and accepted by the users of the standard.
Assessing Phenology of Almonds
Assessing Phenology of Almonds
This factsheet describes how to measure phenology of a particular developmental stage with specific examples of measuring flowering and hull split. A photoscale for stages of flowering and for hull-split are included.
RESOURCE: AgGuide - A Practical Handbook
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Resource: AgGuide – A Practical HandbookPreparing and maintaining bees for the vital task of pollination is the focus of the new AgGuide Pollination using honey bees, recently released by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Beekeepers and growers of horticultural crops, broadacre crops and pastures all benefit from bees visiting flowers. Lead author and NSW DPI Honey Bees Technical Specialist, Dr Doug Somerville said the new guide provides information for beekeepers to ensure their bees are fit for pollination and informs crop growers on creating an environment that will provide the best results. |
Operations
Reducing the Chance of Spray Drift - Haloxyfop Example
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Reducing the Chance of Spray Drift – Haloxyfop exampleThis fact sheet describes some key elements of reducing spray drift, using the almond industries situation with Haloxyfop as an example.
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Implementing Best Practice for Orchard Hygiene
Implementing Best Practice for Orchard Hygiene
As our industry grows, the potential for Carpophilus Beetle and Carob Moth populations to survive over winter and damage the new season crop is increasing.
Video: Orchard Hygiene Best Practice with Brett Rosenzweig
Video: Orchard Hygiene Best Practice with Brett Rosenzweig
This video is an extension of the above fact sheet, taking you through a step by step approach to hygiene within an almond Orchard.