Post Harvest Almond Tree Nutrition

Like growers, almond trees continue to work after harvest and high yielding crops require optimum input management, including post-harvest fertilization and irrigation. In fact, the post-harvest nutrition management program is critical as yield potential for the next crop is determined by bud formation on this year’s fruiting spurs. Next year’s bloom and nut set can only occur on the flower buds that are already created. Application of up to 20% of the total crop nitrogen demand after harvest will help ensure adequate nitrogen nutrition is available for this critical process.

Fertigating YaraTera Calcinit or Yara Liquids N-Cal 35+6Ca+B during post-harvest irrigations will provide your almonds with readily available nitrate-N as well as calcium, which is a critical component of good soil and tree health. Nitrate-N is the preferred form of nitrogen for many crops because it is immediately available for root uptake.

In addition, YaraTera Calcinit or Yara Liquids N-Cal 35+6Ca+B supply water soluble calcium which promotes stronger cell walls and more robust cell membranes which help plants avoid pathogens and reduce environmental stresses such as heat and cold. Calcium works in combination with potassium to help plants respond to water stress.

Building strong cells within almond flower tissues increases tissue strength. While there is no specific research data, one can assume that a stronger flower will be better able to withstand frost conditions common during the bloom period. Calcium is also critical for root health and optimal soil structure. While autumn root growth is slower than in the spring, calcium that is available in the soil is often depleted after a year’s worth of irrigation applications. Strong root growth during the post-harvest period is important for spring root reactivation after dormancy.