We have commented on so many things about the almond tree in Gardenprue that, after all, we have forgotten to talk about its cultivation. However, today we are going to analyze how it is grown from an ecological point of view.
We are going to know all its cultivation and development conditions to have large productions, distinguishing between rainfed or irrigated cultivation. Whether for ornamental or productive interest, today we show you how to grow the almond tree in an ecological way.
Index
ORGANIC ALMOND CULTIVATION
It is not necessary to introduce this tree because practically everyone knows it. The almond tree is almost as well known as the olive tree and is typical of many countries with a temperate climate .
It belongs to the Rosaceae family (the great family of famous specimens such as the apple tree, the pear tree, the quince, the apricot, the peach and a long list of crops that we have talked about along our way in Gardenprue.
TALKING ABOUT THE CLIMATE IN THE ORGANIC ALMOND TREE
First of all we have to say that the almond tree is a rustic tree that withstands a lot of climatic and cultivation conditions. When talking about the climate, it is proper to see its cultivation in temperate climates, as we have commented.
Little by little, Spain has been successfully adapting to the Mediterranean climate . In fact, Spain is the second country that produces the most almonds in the world, behind the United States. It is typical to see almond and olive trees in our Spanish climate while we travel the roads throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
Continuing with the climate, the proper thing is to cultivate it in areas where it is not too cold, especially during its flowering. Ungodly frosts, especially those in early spring, can cause considerable inconvenience and reduce the production of almonds .
It requires a few hours of cold (a maximum of 400 hours below 7 ºC).
TREE LIGHTING
Sun, sun and sun again. The lighting conditions must be total , so it is best to arrange it in an open field, away from any obstacle that may cause shade (a house, taller trees, etc.). Its rusticity guarantees you not to have any problem with high temperatures (as long as we speak in logical terms). In fact, this factor must be taken into account when choosing the planting framework. If we have a better time, because almond trees close together can cause problems of general tree decay, leaf loss and poor flowering.
SOIL CHARACTERISTICS
Although we have surely already mentioned it a few times, irrigation, fertilization or anything else is secondary if we compare it with the soil .
This offers all the conditions to ensure the growth of the tree, in this case the almond tree, and if they are bad, we can water with the best water in the world or fertilize with the best compost we have obtained in our life, the result will leave a lot be desired.
In organic farming , we must conserve the soil’s own conditions as much as possible. That is, to preserve its structure, its porosity and its content in microorganisms. Various techniques will help us to obtain good levels of fertility, such as padding or deep beds .
The best soils are those loose, light and sandy.
ORGANIC FERTILIZATION AND FERTILIZATION OF THE ALMOND TREE
Although we have already mentioned that it is a rustic crop with low irrigation and fertilizer needs, being ecological we can take advantage of the availability of organic matter (either animal or vegetable) to make annual amendments.
If we plant our young almond tree, we can apply a compost or manure background fertilizer and mix it well with the earth. In the young period, when the tree is more sensitive and has the greatest needs, the contributions through this form of subscriber are very successful.
Later, depending on the size of the tree, we can contribute between 2 and 3 kg per year of organic matter around the trunk.
WATER NEEDS
Regarding its cultivation, whether ecological or not, we have two alternatives. On the one hand there is the cultivation of the almond tree in dry land, very typical of areas poor in water resources (Mediterranean area), or its cultivation in irrigated land.
It goes without saying that the highest productions are obtained in the second case, as is the case with most crops.
Depending above all on the interest you have with this crop (commercial or family good) you will opt for one thing or the other. Personally, the option of an automatic irrigation, either by drip or by means of exudative irrigation is the best choice.
Thanks to the root capacity of the almond tree and its long process of adaptation to dry areas, its resistance to lack of water is high.
However, it will also depend on the time when this water is missing. For example, if there is no irrigation during the early spring or early summer, we will find losses in production. If we know how to give suitable irrigation when temperatures increase, production will be optimal.
Refrain from excessive watering, which will only cause the presence of root fungi and tree rot.
SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS
As we have already talked about many things related to the cultivation of almond trees, we add some to you and we unify them in this information that we give you.
In the case of pests and diseases in this crop, we have yet to write an article on its protection in organic farming.
For this, natural products that are considered ecological will be used in a convenient way.
And this article does not end there! There are many things to tell about this great tree, so we will add them little by little. We will notify you of changes in social networks!