How to Address an Almond Crop’s Potassium Needs at Nut Bulking and Peak Heat/Drought Stress
Foliar- and soil-applied nutrition means a healthier harvest and a more profitable yield.
California almond growers are well-versed in the art of water conservation. Navigating a dry season and drought conditions means it’s essential to make every drop of water count. The right science-driven nutrition plan can help, particularly during one of the season’s final crop timings: nut bulking and peak heat/drought stress.
In previous articles, we’ve talked about an almond crop’s nutritional needs from pink bud through early bloom, from early bloom through late bloom, and from petal fall through rapid leaf expansion. Each timing/stage requires a slightly different foliar application plan.
If growers continue to experience reduced disease pressure as the result of a dry year, it would be wise to reallocate these fungicide resources to nutritional programs that directly impact yield. Not all nutrition programs are created equal. Agro-K uses an analytical approach that effectively delivers the Right nutrient applied at the Right time in the Right formulation in the Right mix targeting the Right place in the plant, while eliminating product and economic waste.
During almond bulking and peak heat/drought stress, potassium becomes particularly important. In fact, this is the crop’s peak demand for potassium. While soil potassium is the foundation for meeting these needs, it will not supply enough potassium in sufficient volume quickly enough. Growers must complement these soil applications of soil potassium with foliar potassium to mitigate the impact of extreme heat and drought, and promote larger, heavier nuts. These complimentary applications will give the almond crop a sufficient supply of potassium throughout its peak demand.
Foliar and soil-based applications of potassium at nut bulking also ensure more pounds of nuts per unit of water, better nut drop and fewer stick-tights at harvest. Check out agro-k.com for more information on using science-driven nutrition throughout the growing season.