Your source for orchard news & information in the Sacramento Valley
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
As farmers have reduced their reliance on organophosphate insecticides for pest control, there has been a shift to other control tactics. Most challenging for the topic of watersheds has been a shift towards increased use of pyrethroids. In general, the amounts found are low, nevertheless, cases of exceedances do occur, and these cases need to be eliminated. Continue reading
With 41 California counties officially in a drought emergency and water allocations significantly reduced in many areas, many growers and managers are stuck with less water than walnuts use for prime production levels. Read this article for more information about how to manage walnut irrigation in drought years. Continue reading
New studies show that almond hulls and shells can be used as low-cost organic matter amendments and can release potassium into the soil. This can help increase soil exchangeable potassium with benefits to July leaf potassium values, and in the long term, could build soil organic matter content while reducing dust and erosion. Continue reading
The UC Davis Prune breeding program is eager to patent a new variety, Yolo Gold, as well as promote new promising French-type cultivars. Continue reading
This report covers the CIMIS stations in Woodland, Davis, Staten Island, and Verona for April 29-June 02, 2022. Continue reading
This report covers the CIMIS stations in Tehama County (Gerber South), Butte County (Biggs and Durham) and Colusa County (Williams). More information on using ET Reports is available here. Accumulations started on February 25th 2022 for pasture, table and high density … Continue reading