The trickle-down effect from the drought is causing salinity issues with many crops, and that’s more problematic with avocado trees.
Experts are saying that other than just the shortage of irrigation water, the drought is causing production problems in avocado trees. With less rain on top of less allocated water, salinity levels are rising in soils across the state. Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Mary Bianchi says high soil salinity levels can have a big effect on avocado trees for a couple of reasons. Presenters at the Avocado Growers Seminar Series advised growers to consistently monitor soil and irrigation water salinity content.