…some situations, investing in targeted micronutrient applications may generate more return than increasing already sufficient macronutrient rates. Zone-based nutrition is another way to improve budget efficiency. Not every block performs…
Understanding Soil Tests: pH, CEC, and Base Saturation in Permanent Crops
…looks at is soil pH. Understanding pH helps explain nutrient availability and can offer clues about underlying soil conditions that may be influencing uptake. From there, he evaluates cation exchange…
Using Tissue and Soil Data to Build Next Season’s Fertility Plan
…uptake challenges, or calcium imbalances, patterns often become clear when enough data is reviewed together. Rogers noted that understanding nutrient relationships is key. For example, high phosphorus levels in the…
Fertigation vs. Foliar Sprays: Choosing the Right Nutrition Strategy
…has previously noted, soil nutrient relationships can sometimes limit micronutrient uptake. In those cases, placing micronutrients directly into the spray tank bypasses soil tie-up and delivers nutrients straight to the…
Record Pistachio Crop, Global Demand, and California’s Water Reality
…inputs, with minimal pesticide and herbicide use compared to many row crops. That message is landing overseas, helping demand outpace supply and strengthening pricing for growers. Tariffs, Trade, and Nutrient-Dense…
How Sodium Interferes with Potassium Uptake in Tree Crops
…help identify sodium imbalances early. From there, strategies to mitigate salts—such as improved leaching practices, soil amendments, or adjusted fertility programs—can help restore a more favorable nutrient balance in the…
Soil and Foliar Strategies to Improve Micronutrient Availability
…from being absorbed efficiently. Beyond nutrient interactions, cultural practices and rootstock selection can also affect micronutrient uptake. Some rootstocks are naturally poor miners of zinc, making it more difficult for…
Maximizing Nitrogen Efficiency in Permanent Crops
…growers improve nitrogen efficiency throughout the season while reducing losses. Rogers emphasized that nitrogen is one of the easiest nutrients to lose, especially through leaching and volatilization. Because of that,…
Richard Kreps Says Pistachios, Water, and Common Sense Must Lead California Forward
…almonds, and walnuts are among the most nutrient-dense foods California produces, giving them leverage in global markets. While tariffs often dominate headlines, Kreps argued that when consumers worldwide want high-quality,…
Matching Nutrient Demand Curves Improves Efficiency and Nut Quality
…programs with nutrient demand curves, growers can reduce waste, improve uptake efficiency, and support consistent yields and nut quality year after year. For more information on nutrient timing and fertility…
Making Smart Fertility Adjustments Without Losing Sight of the Long Term
…of simply adding more fertilizer. In some cases, nutrient uptake issues may be caused by underlying soil conditions like high sodium or excess salts that interfere with availability. Identifying and…
Post-Bloom Nutrition: Setting Today’s Crop and Preparing for Next Year
…follow a familiar pattern across many permanent crops. Early in the season, calcium and nitrogen products are typically the first nutrients introduced through the irrigation system, followed by UN32-type products….
Spring Fertigation Strategies to Improve Efficiency in Tree Crops
…available to the tree during critical growth stages. Nutrient uptake also shifts as trees transition from relying on stored reserves to actively pulling nutrients from the soil. Rogers noted that…
Soil Health, Water, and the Future of Farming With Live Earth
…beneath sod to help retain nutrients and water in the root zone. The same principle applies to farming. Humates help nutrients stay available longer, improving nutrient use efficiency. Taylor shared…