September Almond Orchard Management Considerations

Evie Smith, UCCE SRA, South Sacramento Valley.
Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Orchard Advisor, Colusa, Sutter and Yuba Cos.
Katherine Jarvis-Shean, UCCE Orchard Advisor Yolo, Solano, & Sacramento Cos.
Luke Milliron, UCCE Orchard Advisor, Butte, Glenn and Tehama Cos.

Please note that the following are general recommendations intended to help you keep track of regular practices in a busy time; the optimal timing for management practices may vary based on specific location and conditions.

  • Plan fall Zn and B sprays: Use your plant tissue analysis results to determine whether you need to apply foliar Zn and B this fall. See our Postharvest Nutrition Review article to learn more about when and how to apply these nutrients.
  • Plan for your fall potassium application. If applying fall potassium is part of your orchard nutrient management program, start preparing for application. Banded or targeted broadcasting down the tree row applications are good options for getting your money’s worth out of a fall potassium application. See the Postharvest Nutrition Review article for more details (link above).
  • Prepare for cover crop planting: Cover crops are a good tool if you’re looking to improve soil health, provide pollen for bees, and/or reduce runoff in your orchard. If you’re considering planting a cover crop this year, you’ll want to get the seed in the ground by the end of October. Start considering your options now using the UC-Almond Board Cover Crop Best Management Practices guide.

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