Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization of almonds

Dr. Or Sperling
Start: Aug 2016 –  End: Aug 2019

Almond cultivation recently transformed from a traditional niche crop to industrialized farming in variable soil and climatic conditions. Consumers are now aware to the almond’s health benefits and a worldwide demand is surging. In Israel, native water-conserving rootstocks were replaced with the 667 variety. Now, by intensive irrigation and fertilizing Israeli almond cost effectiveness leveled with the major exporters (USA, Australia and Spain). Low labor requirements and high profits resulted in 5,000 ha of irrigated almond plantations which yield 2,000 kg of nuts per ha. Last year’s profits summed 125 M NIS (7,000 tons, out of which 1,000 were exported to Europe) while at least 500 ha are yet non-bearing. Yet, to assure sustainability of almond production, new scientific knowledge regarding improved agricultural usage of resources in variable soil, water, and atmospheric conditions is essential. In addition, consequent warm dry winters (attributed to climate change) amplified the farmers need for innovative applications. Nevertheless, no one investigated almonds response to nutrients availability in Israel and there is very little information to optimize fertilizers application and maximize yields. As far as we know there was only one futile experiment in Israel concerning almonds’ Nitrogen uptake and its results were never published. We therefor propose to study the effects of macro-nutrients (N, P, and K) on almond trees in a controlled experimental setup. Our working hypothesis is that improved nutrients application during the growing season (summer) would maximize carbohydrates recharge and secure almonds’ vegetative and reproductive growth in spring. Almond trees are acclimated to the highly seasonal, semi-arid, Mediterranean climate and rely on an annual cycle of carbohydrates management. Monitoring these essential reserves will lead to applied parameters to plantations’ vitality, improved farming practices, higher yields, and sustainable almonds production in Israel.