Nitrogen Fertilization Recommendation Model for Almond

P.H. Brown and Q.Zhang
Pomology Department, University of California,Davis
Max Stevenson, UC-SAREP

This model calculates the Nitrogen (N) requirement for almond production based upon the yield history, current conditions and previous N applications. This model can be used to calculate both the timing and rate of fertilizer application required to maintain optimum yield. Site specific information is required for accurate projection of N requirement hence this model should be applied to each distinct management unit (block or field). The data used in this model was derived from exhaustive tree-N budget determinations and with input from Max Stevenson, BIOS Staff Scientist at the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (www.caff.org). Funding for this project was provided through CDFA-FREP (California Dept. of Food and Agriculture, Fertilizer Research and Education Program) and the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

This computer model provides recomendations only and is not intended to be used as the sole source of information for making N fertilization decisions. Local environmental conditions can have a profound affect on fertilizer demands. CDFA-FREP and the University of California are not responsible for the accuracy of this model under all conditions.

Instructions to download the Almond Orchard N-Fertilization Model: This is an Microsoft Excel file. You will need to have Microsoft Excel (97 or more recent) in order to be able to use this file. To open the file, click on the highlighted file name below. You may see a dialog box asking if you want to open it or save it to disk. Choose save it to disk. You will then save it on your computer or on a floppy disk. Then simply open and use the file from within your Excel program.

When you open the actual file from Excel, you may first see a dialog box questioning the macros. Choose enable macros. Next, you may see a dialog box about automatic links. Choose NO. At last the file should open....look in the bottom left corner and click on Sheet 1 in order to find the introductory page. Sheet 2 is where you will input your orchard data; Sheet 3 will show your results. Good luck!

To download N Model: Grants/Reports/Brown/N-Model Final.xls

PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access this Excel file, please email baransom@ucdavis.edu to request that it be sent to you via an attached email.

For more information about SAREP email link.