Planning and Developing a Successful Almond Orchard Roger Duncan, Farm Advisor University of California Cooperative Extension Happiness is a ton of meats… at $1.00 per pound! -1970’s bumper sticker “Happiness is 4000 pounds… …at $2.00 per pound! - 2008 reality Maximizing almond yield potential = maximizing sunlight capture Preplant preparation is the best money you will spend on your orchard Preplant Preparations Include... • Site evaluation • Physical soil modification • Chemical soil modification • Fumigation • Rootstock selection Evaluation of the Site • Neighboring crops • Past Cropping History • Soil Surveys and Maps • Aerial Photos • Backhoe pits • Soil Sampling & Analysis Evaluation of the Site • BACKHOE PITS allow evaluation of: – Soil stratification, hardpan or clay layers – Water table – Rooting depth – Buried materials – Access for soil sampling Backhoe Pits • One pit per 20 acres? • Make sure to evaluate hills, valleys, previous problem areas, areas of differing vegetation. • Dig 8 feet deep • Slope one side to allow access