CROP NUTRITION
Almonds.
Plan by growth stage.
Explore a seasonal NABTA product example for mature almonds, with growth-stage timing, stage quantities and separate application amounts.
Planning example for agronomic review. These calculations use stated assumptions and are not field-validated NABTA recommendations. Adjust for block tests, crop load, water nutrients, salinity and irrigation capacity before field use. Use current product labels.
Mature-acre rates do not apply to young plantings. Missing information is identified in each program. No yield guarantee or UC endorsement is implied.
AlmondsView growth stages, NABTA rates & application timing
Illustrative feeding program · agronomic review required
Example block: 2,500.0 lb kernels/ac; age 16–25 years. Mature commercial planting with zero assumed soil, water or other nutrient credits.
Seasonal fertilizer nitrogen237.5 lb K2O/ac
Seasonal potassium budget306.5 lb Ca/ac
Calcium supplied by CALTRATE
How to read this schedule: bold amounts are total product pounds per acre for the entire stage. Divide them across the separate applications shown. Dates are approximate; use actual crop stage. All rates shown are for root-zone fertigation, not foliar spraying.
| Growth stage / timing | NABTA CALTRATE 15.5-0-0 + Ca19 | NABTA SOP 0-0-52 |
|---|---|---|
| Dormancy / bloomBefore leaf-out | No routine application0 lb/ac in this example | No routine application0 lb/ac in this example |
| Leaf expansionEnd bloom to full leaf | 322.6 lb/acStage total: 11 separate application × 29.3 lb/ac each | 91.3 lb/acStage total: 5 separate applications × 18.3 lb/ac each |
| Fruit growthLeaf expansion to hardening | 483.9 lb/acStage total: 17 separate applications × 28.5 lb/ac each | 137.0 lb/acStage total: 7 separate applications × 19.6 lb/ac each |
| Kernel fillHardening to early hull split | 483.9 lb/acStage total: 17 separate applications × 28.5 lb/ac each | 228.4 lb/acStage total: 12 separate applications × 19.0 lb/ac each |
| Late-season reserveHull split to early postharvest | 322.6 lb/acStage total: 11 separate application × 29.3 lb/ac each | No routine application0 lb/ac in this example |
| Leaf fallNo active uptake | No routine application0 lb/ac in this example | No routine application0 lb/ac in this example |
Assumptions & adjustments
- N demand = kernel yield × 0.068 + 30 lb/ac growth for the stated age; 80% recovery is an example assumption.
- N split 20/30/30/20 follows UC/CDFA. Reassess the final 20% using crop load, tissue N and active canopy.
- K example = 95 lb K2O/1,000 lb kernels, midpoint of reported 90–100 removal; K timing is proposed.
- No routine phosphorus or micronutrient dose is included. These examples assume adequate phosphorus; other nutrients require diagnostic evidence.
- Application counts are arithmetic subdivisions using 30 lb CALTRATE/ac and 20 lb SOP/ac as maximum example event sizes. Confirm current label directions, irrigation frequency, injection capacity, EC and calcium loading. Do not add irrigation solely to fit the schedule.
Product compatibility: apply CALTRATE separately from SOP, MKP, LIB and other phosphate or sulfate solutions, with appropriate flushing. Confirm the current California registration and label for SOP before purchase or use; its current status has not been verified for this example.
Research basis: UC / CDFA crop nutrition reference. Product analyses: CALTRATE label reference · SOP label reference. These references do not imply UC endorsement of NABTA products.
Print / Save PDFDiscuss Your Almonds ProgramPlan for your own block.
Include crop and variety, acreage, planting age, expected yield, irrigation method and recent test results. Ask about current product supply or a specialty blend.
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