N demands can therefore be predicted by estimating yield and can be applied during the periods of greatest N uptake from the soil which occurs during nut development. By timing N applications with periods of greatest demand, and matching N application rates with crop load we provide growers with a tool that will encourage maximum efficiency of use of N fertilizers. Maximum efficiency of use will result in a minimization of N loss from the orchard system. Contrary to earlier indications, analysis of tree nitrate cannot be used as a reliable indicator of tree N status. This objective was completed.
Additional results are in the process of being analyzed and summarized.
The research proposed here aims to develop a decision making process for making N fertilizer recommendations for mature almond orchards. NO 3 -N pollution from almond production. The project will define fertilizer requirement by determining tree N status and by estimating the total N required for the production of total biomass at specific stages considering all nonfertilizer credits in the system. Fertilizer recommendations after growth commence will be fine tuned based on tissue analysis at specific growth stages. The recommendation of this project will be presented in a simple balance spreadsheet form that will list all potential N inputs and the amount of fertilizer N needed at specific growth stages for optimum almond production.