As California growers look for ways to improve efficiency and manage input costs, zone-based nutrition is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in permanent crops. In today’s Agronomic Minute, Dylan Rogers, Sales Account Manager for AgroLiquid, discussed how fertigation programs can be optimized by irrigation block to better match orchard variability.
Rogers explained that while variable-rate fertilizer applications are often discussed in row crops, tree crop growers are typically limited by the size of their irrigation blocks. “We can only get as fine-tuned as our irrigation block,” he said. However, within those limitations, growers still have meaningful opportunities to manage fertility more precisely.
Many orchards are divided into multiple irrigation blocks, such as an 80-acre orchard split into smaller 20-acre sections. Rogers noted that each block can behave differently due to soil type, water availability, or historical management. By pulling soil and tissue samples on a block-by-block basis, growers can identify where nutrients are sufficient and where deficiencies exist—and then adjust fertigation programs accordingly.
Instead of treating an entire orchard the same, zone-based nutrition allows growers to customize applications for each block. “We have the ability to treat those blocks differently,” Rogers said, pointing out that this approach works well with existing drip irrigation infrastructure in many orchards.
One of the key benefits of zone-based nutrition is cost efficiency. Some blocks may respond well to certain micronutrients, while others may not need them at all. Applying fertilizer only where it’s needed helps reduce unnecessary inputs and improves overall return on investment.
Rogers emphasized that successful zone-based nutrition always starts with good data. Regular soil and tissue sampling provide insight into how each block is performing and what adjustments are needed. By listening to what the trees are telling them and managing blocks individually, growers can fine-tune fertility programs, reduce waste, and improve consistency across the orchard.
For more information on zone-based fertility strategies, visit AgroLiquid.com.