The Connection Between Soil Microbes and Almond Tree Performance

 

The Importance of Microbial Activity in Soil

Although soil microbes, including bacteria and fungi, are microscopically small, they can have an enormous impact on the performance of your almond crop.  According to a recent study, soil microbial communities associated with tree crops are critical for their long-term growth and development, particularly under challenging soil conditions (Mercado-Blanco et al., 2018), (Figure 1). Soil microbial communities are known to contribute to increased aboveground plant productivity, improve the availability of soil nutrients and water, and can help mitigate abiotic stressors and toxic compounds (Mercado-Blanco et al., 2018) for the associated crop (Weil and Brady 2017). In our case study, we analyzed the importance of microbial activity in almond tree soil. 

Products Designed to Increase Activity 

Early Establishment of Young Almond Trees

Rationale

We were challenged to help optimize the establishment and growth of third leaf almonds near Bakersfield, CA and chose PhycoTerra^® Organic to help drive optimal improvement in the soil microbiome.  Using a planned, program approach, we applied 3 gallons/acre total of product in small doses at key timings, starting with petal drop. Since yield information was not available on the young trees, we used growth in trunk diameter as a proxy for crop response against a grower standard. 

Results

Blocks on the PhycoTerra^® Organic program showed a 30% average increase in trunk diameter compared to their respective control blocks of the same size. We are moving into Year 2 of the trial and should start to see yield impacts shortly. 

Revitalize Older Almond Trees

Rationale

We were asked to help a grower gain additional value from a 19-year-old almond field, close to the end of its useful productive capacity. With that in mind, we felt revitalizing the soil microbiome, using PhycoTerra^®, was key due to the relationship between tree crop production and belowground bacteria and fungi populations (Mercado-Blanco et al. 2018). We applied a total of four gallons/acre to the field at key timings using a planned, program approach.            

Results  

Application of PhycoTerra^®, with the intent to increase microbial activity the soil, improved yield and value for both Nonpareil and Carmel almond varieties in an older orchard (Figure 2), compared to the grower standard.  Additionally, the grower observed less lower limb die-off on the PhycoTerra^® side and we believe this played a role in the improved yield.  Nut size also increased, using PhycoTerra^®, jumping from 25/27 to 23/25, for both varieties. 

Partner With Heliae® Agriculture to Enhance Your Almond Tree Soil & Crop Yields

Our research about the importance of soil microbial activity in soil at Heliae^® Agriculture has led to the creation of a quality microalgae product for a variety of sustainable soil solutions that can have an immediate impact on your soil microbiome and the performance of your almond trees. To learn more about our Soil Microbe Food, PhycoTerra^®, and how it can improve the soil on your farm, click here.

Figure 1 – How soil microbes (fungi and bacteria) improve almond tree soil and performance (Mercado-Blanco 2018).  

Figure 2 – The application of PhycoTerra^® helped revitalize a 19-year-old almond field, relative to the grower standard control, returning between $573-S1,119/acre back to the grower.  

References 

• Mercado-Blanco et al. 2018 – https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01006/full

• Weil and Brady 2017 –  https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Weil-Nature-and-Properties-of-Soils-The-15th-Edition/PGM219427.html