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Almond Trees

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Nut Trees

California dominates the nut industry, growing a wide variety of tree nuts that routinely represent some of the state's top agricultural commodities. Primarily grown in the Central Valley and San Joquin Valley region, growers take advantage of the fertile soil and unique climate conditions well-suited to these crops. Not just a major player on a national scale, California tree nut exports are significant, providing substantial revenue for regional growers and processors. California has named four official state nuts:

  • Almonds
  • Pecans
  • Walnuts
  • Pistachios

 Requiring nutrients to encourage better production, Sac Ag takes pride in producing fertilizer chemistries designed to help nut trees flourish.

Looking for other high quality raw materials to help increase plant health, growth, and yield? 

We offer a portfolio of innovative products including other sulfur fertilizer additions and low salt fertilizers that help maximize the efficiency and output of your growing season.  Our experts will work with you to find the optimum combination of nutrients to give you the best results for your harvest.

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Almonds

Almonds (Prunus dulcis / Prunus amygdalus)

California produces around 80% of the world’s almonds, or about 2.47 billion pounds of almonds according to the USDA. Versatile and nutrient-rich, almonds can be used in a variety of ways including:

  • Plant-based milk alternatives
  • Peanut butter alternatives
  • Salads
  • Smoothies
  • Desserts

Almonds are also recognized for their health benefits:

  • High in fiber, protein, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium
  • Contains copper, vitamin B2, and phosphorus
  • Contains many heathy antioxidants

 

Production Challenges

Water Management: Almonds require a significant amount of water which is impacted by California’s water scarcity issues. Drought conditions and competition for water resources make efficient water management crucial.

Pest and Disease Control: Destructive pests like the navel orangeworm and diseases like shot hole diseases, hull rot, and fungal infections require careful monitoring and treatment.

Soil Health: Balanced soil nutrients are required for optimal growth, and fertility must be managed carefully.

 

Pecans (Carya illinoinensis)

California's thousands of pecan farms are found between the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. Sac Ag provides pecan trees essential nutrients to ensure a plentiful yield. Pecans also have many different uses some include,

  • Desserts
  • Snacks
  • Desserts
  • Candies

Pecans also have many health benefits like stronger bones and improved eyesight. Some important nutrients in pecans include,

  • High in vitamin A, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, copper, and magnesium
  • Contains monosaturated fats as well as essential proteins

 

Production Challenges

Water Management: Pecans require a significant amount of water, especially during the nut development phase. California’s drought conditions and competition for water resources make efficient water management crucial.

Pest and Disease Control: Destructive pests like pecan weevil, aphids, and mites, as well as fungal diseases like scab disease require careful monitoring and treatment.

Soil Health: Balanced soil nutrients are required for optimal growth and long-term production, especially with pecans’ long growing cycle and propensity for alternate bearing.

 

 

 

 

 

Pecans

 

 

 

 

Walnuts

Walnuts (Juglans)

More than 99% of the walnuts in U.S. are grown in the fertile soils of California’s Central Valley and internationally, California walnuts supply approximately half of the world’s walnut trade according to the California Walnut Board. Walnuts require nutrients like potassium and nitrogen to grow healthy. Walnuts have many uses some of which include,

  • Pastas
  • Soups
  • Cereals
  • Desserts
  • Snacks
  • Sauces

While walnuts are very versatile in the kitchen, they also have health benefits:

  • Contains many antioxidants
  • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids

 

Production Challenges

Water Management: Walnuts require a significant amount of water, especially during the nut-filling phase. California’s drought conditions and competition for water resources make efficient water management crucial.

Pest and Disease Control: Destructive pests like the codling moth, and diseases like walnut blight and crown gall require careful monitoring and treatment.

Soil Health: Walnuts are sensitive to soil conditions and require adequate drainage, proper soil pH, and organic matter for optimal growth, with a balanced supply of nitrogen, potassium, and zinc.

 

Pistachios (Pistacia vera)

California is one of the largest producers of pistachios with a yearly output about 99% of the United States pistachio production according to the American Pistachio Growers. Some uses of the green nut include,

  • Nut butters
  • Granola
  • Desserts
  • Pastries
  • Sauces

Outside of the kitchen, pistachios can be used for health benefits. These include,

  • High in Fiber, Protein, and Antioxidants
  • Contains potassium and Vitamin B6

 

Production Challenges

Water Management: While drought tolerant, pistachios exhibit high water needs during key growth stages like nut filling and kernel development. California’s drought conditions and competition for water resources make efficient water management crucial.

Pest and Disease Control: Destructive pests like the navel orangeworm, rodents, and birds, as well as diseases like panicle and shoot blight require careful monitoring and treatment.

Soil Health: Pistachios unique temperature requirements and tolerance of saline soils make it hardier than other nut tree crops, but properly-balanced soil is still an important consideration for a robust harvest.

 

 

 

 

 

Pistachios

 

Tree Nut Fertilizers

Sac Ag supports a diverse range of agricultural crops through high-quality, locally manufactured fertilizers for agriculture retailers and distributors. We have formulated chemicals that boost plant health, improve crop yield, and provide essential nutrients to support your growers’ tree nut production:

Potassium Thiosulfate: Thio 25-17™ is a high-quality potash and sulfur liquid fertilizer

Ammonium Thiosulfate: ATS=™ is a high-quality nitrogen and sulfur liquid fertilizer.

Magnesium Thiosulfate: MTS=™ Magnesium thiosulfate is a versatile fertilizer used in agriculture as a source of magnesium and sulfur.

Tree Nut Nutrients

Nut trees require an assortment of different nutrients, some of which includes nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, boron, and zinc. Sac Ag provides specialty formulas to promote nut tree growth as well as increase crop yields.

 

Get in touch with the Sac Ag team to discuss your tree nut nutrient needs and secure your tons for the season:

 

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