Nutrient Management Research Database

The rates of applied nitrogen necessary to produce optimum yields and limit nitrate leaching can be achieved by monitoring early July leaf total nitrogen concentrations and applying water at the 1.0 evapotranspiration leve. Excess water or nitrogen may result in nitrate leaching below the rooting zone, and sustaining high yields and vigorous tree growth requirement large amounts of nutrients; it is advisable for growers to take leaf samples twice a year at about April 1st and July 1st, from at least three areas of the field representing low, medium, and high producing areas of the field. Leaf analysis will show differences in nutrient concentrations from across the fields and will help determine if nutrient deficiencies are approaching.

• This study was conducted with three almond varieties:
  • Butte
  • Carmel
  • nonpareil.
• 5-tree plots were selected and 10 treatments were tested:
  • 2 irrigation treatments: 0.6 and 1.0 of ET, each with 5 nitrogen application rates.

• Results show that the rate of applied nitrogen needed to produce optimum yields at full water level does not result in large amounts of nitrate leaching beyond the rooting zone.
• Leaf samples should be taken twice a year around April 1st and July 1st from at least three areas in the field to adequately monitor nutrient levels.