March Prune Orchard Management Considerations
It is looking like spring outside, and prune bloom is picking up. Keep reading for prune orchard management tasks to keep in mind this month. Continue reading
Author Archives: Franz Niederholzer
May Prune Orchard Management Considerations
Read this article for prune orchard management tasks to keep in mind in May. Continue reading
April Prune Orchard Management Considerations
Read this article for prune orchard management tasks to keep in mind in April. Continue reading
Disease Management in Tight Budget Year
Getting the best results, affordably, is vital to delivering the crop this year and next. Given that 2023 is off to a wet start, there is a possibility of increased disease pressure when compared to the last three years- making disease management even more important. Continue reading
Time for a Hard Look- Walnuts
The way forward to a better future is not clear. Forging ahead with the same practices and expecting a natural return to better times is looking like a long shot- it’s time to stop, think, observe, and plan for the future. Continue reading
Time for a Hard Look- Almonds
The way forward to a better future is not clear. Forging ahead with the same practices and expecting a natural return to better times is looking like a long shot- it’s time to stop, think, observe, and plan for the future. Continue reading
After the Rain: Maintaining Nut Quality
Sacramento Valley received approximately 2″ of rain during the last storm, leaving behind many wet almonds and challenging growers with reduced nut quality and decreased returns. Read ahead for best management practices for your situation. Continue reading
Is it time for a closer look at alternative nutrient sources?
With continued tight nut markets and high input costs, it’s worth considering all nutrient input options in an effort to lower costs and maintain production. Sustainable nutrient management includes assessment of irrigation nitrate, adding compost manure amendments or almond shells, and using nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Continue reading
Checking Cropload and Shaker Thinning Prunes
When needed, shaker thinning can improve a grower’s bottom line this year and next year. Careful, timely thinning increases A & B size fruit production, limits small, lower value prunes in the bin at harvest and improves return bloom next year. Continue reading
Fertilizing Almonds after a Frost
In a light crop year following frost, fertilizer savings are possible, but some fertilizer, especially N should be applied to maintain orchard health and crop potential for next year. Continue reading
Irrigating Freeze Damaged Almonds in a Drought
Record low temperatures on February 24 severely reduced nut set and limited almond yield across thousands of acres of orchards in the Sacramento Valley. The following are our best suggestions for irrigating to bring the remaining crop to market, and ensure good crop potential for next year. Continue reading
Weed Management in Young Almond Orchards
Successful new plantings are key to the economic future of an almond growing operation. Any setbacks in new, non-bearing orchard growth or health can be costly, distracting and stressful. Weed management is a major management focus and potential stress point in young orchard development. Continue reading
Potted Tree Irrigation After Planting: Getting the First Year Right
Potted nursery trees are here to stay, but they have challenges and a learning curve for growers accustomed to planting bare root trees. One of the major challenges is irrigating during the orchard’s first year. Continue reading
Prune Orchard Investments in a Better Market Year
Prune prices to California growers are influenced by world production volume that can change, dramatically, from year to year. Read this article for recommendations about how to prepare for next year. Continue reading
Preparing for 2022
Plan for the worst, hope for the best. That’s a tough, solid, strategy as the 2021 season winds down and growers and PCAs look to 2022. Read this article for some considerations when following this strategy. Continue reading