Contact Western Pecan Growers Association
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Let us know how we are doing by filling out our survey survey.
If you like to be added to the vendorInvitation list click below.
Contact Western Pecan Growers Association
Soil Health & Mineral Nutrition
Promoting healthy nutrition for your pecan orchard can seem taxing at times. However, when your trees are receiving optimal nutrition the quality and yield of you’re crop are most satisfying. There are many different types of minerals, macro- and micro-nutrients that are beneficial to your pecan trees development. If you believe your orchard is deficient in these minerals there are ways to diagnosing nutrient disorders in pecan trees. Thanks to agricultural science, we now know that determining the correct dosage relies on many factors. The condition of your soil, soil type (structure & texture), analyzing the soil, using the correct form and type of chemicals for your soil can help you answer these questions. Another tool that will assist in maximizing your pecan orchards nutritional needs can be done by conducting leaf analysis seasonally. This will determine if your current fertilization and mineral nutrition treatments are effective or need to be modified.
Resources:
Arizona Pecan Research
University of Arizona
Soil Health
Pecan trees in their native habitat are found close to rivers and as such they only like alluvial river soils, with good drainage conditions. However, these nut trees are only limited by the soil in which they are grown. Pecan trees have had to adapt to various soil conditions. The soil in the current pecan growing regions are limited primarily by their parent material to which they are derived and the elements that are available to promote their growth.
Before considering a new site for an orchard, one should consider having their soil tested to ensure proper orchard development and to identify any potential problems like poor drainage, salt toxicity issues, fungal or bacterial diseases, and / or problematic pest issues. Knowing about your soil type and condition can help you to determine the types of chemicals, the quantity of chemicals needed, and what chemicals are better suited for your soil type. Another benefit to soil analysis is that you can better determine how much water your orchard will need.
List of Recommended Labs
Leaf Analysis
Leaf analysis can tell you a lot about your orchards nutritional deprivation or overall condition and can also give you a better idea on what your orchard needs in the next oncoming growing season. Leaf analysis can help you to determine if your trees have a nutrient disorder, and help you to determine the effectiveness of your fertilizer program. If you feel you need help with providing your orchard with proper nutrition, feel free to contact your local University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Agent or Specialist, or Certified Crop Consultant.