Almond Tree - How to prepare the soil for 1 hectare of almond trees?
Quick Read / The Essentials of Soil Preparation for Growing Almond Trees
Almond cultivation is a demanding crop that requires meticulous soil preparation before planting to ensure optimal growth and sustainable production. Well-structured, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil is essential for the successful rooting of young trees. Poor preparation can limit yield, increase vulnerability to disease, and reduce the longevity of the orchard. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports producers in this essential phase to ensure a high-performing and resilient orchard.
Before planting, a thorough soil analysis is necessary to adjust any necessary corrections. The pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0, with a soil texture that is favorable for drainage (sandy or sandy loam). If drainage problems are detected, installing underground drains and peripheral ditches can effectively evacuate stagnant water and prevent root asphyxiation.
Deep tillage is recommended: subsoiling to a depth of 40-80 cm, plowing to a depth of 30-40 cm, and surface tillage to refine the structure. Adding organic amendments, such as 20 to 40 tonnes/ha of compost or decomposed manure, improves fertility and promotes vigorous growth. Appropriate basic fertilization with phosphorus and potassium prepares the soil for young plants.
Installing an irrigation system, such as drip irrigation, is essential to ensure controlled water supplies. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , also advises on the choice of varieties and rootstocks adapted to the specificities of the land to maximize the profitability of the operation. Buying almond plants from Amandiverse guarantees a successful and sustainable planting, thanks to in-depth expertise and high-quality plants.
The importance of soil preparation for growing almond trees
Almond trees are a demanding crop that requires careful soil preparation before planting to ensure optimal growth and sustainable production. Well-structured, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil is essential to ensure good rooting of young trees and provide them with the best conditions for growth. Improper soil preparation can compromise yield, increase susceptibility to disease, and limit the lifespan of the orchard. For a one-hectare plot in France, a series of specific steps must be followed to optimize soil quality and promote successful establishment.
Soil analysis and preliminary diagnostics
Before any intervention, a complete soil analysis must be carried out 6 to 12 months before planting . This study makes it possible to identify the structure of the soil, its fertility, its drainage capacity and to anticipate possible corrections. Several parameters must be examined, in particular the pH of the soil , which must be between 6.0 and 8.0 , with a preference for a value close to 7.0 to 7.5 . The texture of the soil must be light, sandy or sandy loam , promoting drainage and aeration of the roots.
The analysis should also include organic matter , the optimal content of which is between 2 and 3% in the surface layer, as well as soil permeability , which should be between 10 and 20 mm/h . Soil that is too compact or impermeable will require more in-depth correction work. Finally, it is important to measure the presence of active limestone – which should not exceed 8-10% – and salinity , as the almond tree is sensitive to saline soils.
Installation of effective drainage
The almond tree is particularly vulnerable to excess water , which can lead to root asphyxiation and the development of diseases. If the analysis reveals drainage problems , it is essential to implement suitable solutions to avoid water stagnation.
Underground drainage can be installed with perforated pipes at a depth of 80 cm , spaced 10 to 20 meters apart depending on the nature of the soil. These drains must be sloped with a minimum gradient of 0.5% to effectively evacuate water. Particularly heavy soils may require drainage ditches , dug 1 to 1.5 meters deep , to collect runoff water.
Other developments can be considered, such as the creation of grassy strips , 6 to 20 meters wide, to limit erosion and slow down water infiltration. Buffer zones at least 10 meters wide make it possible to manage excess water on the periphery of the orchard.
Working the soil to improve its structure
Soil cultivation plays a fundamental role in optimizing almond planting conditions. This stage involves several successive interventions, adapted to the characteristics of the plot.
Subsoiling , carried out at a depth of 40 to 60 cm , or even up to 80 cm if necessary, helps to loosen the soil and break up any plough pans that could hinder root growth. Deep ploughing , up to 30-40 cm , ensures even loosening of the soil, promoting water infiltration and aeration of the roots. Finally, superficial work with a cultivator or harrow helps to refine the soil structure and eliminate any clods before planting.
Addition of amendments and correction of the soil
Soil amendment is essential to improve its fertility and structure . Depending on the results of the analysis, various corrections can be made. To enrich the organic matter content and improve the structure, an application of 20 to 40 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure or compost is recommended. This organic matter should be incorporated to a depth of 10-15 cm using a cultivator or rotary harrow.
If the soil is too acidic (pH below 6.5), the application of 2 to 3 tonnes/ha of lime is necessary to balance the pH. On the other hand, if the soil is clayey , an addition of 30 to 50 tonnes/ha of sand can be made to lighten it. The addition of 2 to 4 tonnes/ha of gypsum also improves the soil structure by facilitating drainage.
Basic fertilization before planting
To ensure a good start for young almond trees, it is important to provide suitable basic fertilization . Depending on the results of the soil analysis, it is recommended to incorporate 100 to 150 kg/ha of P2O5 (phosphorus) and 150 to 200 kg/ha of K2O (potassium) . These nutrients are essential to promote root development and ensure optimal growth from the first years.
Nitrogen should only be applied in small doses after planting, taking into account the physiological needs of trees at different stages of growth.
Final preparation before planting
Once the soil has been properly prepared, it is necessary to level the land to facilitate irrigation and the passage of agricultural machinery. Light raking can be done just before planting to ensure good root contact with the soil.
Orchard planning must be carried out precisely, taking into account the spacing of the trees . For a one-hectare plot, a spacing of 7 meters between rows and 6 meters between trees is recommended, i.e. a density of approximately 238 trees/ha . It is also advisable to provide 7-meter-wide aisles every 6 rows , to facilitate mechanical interventions.
Preparing the planting holes
Planting holes should be large enough to allow the young trees to root well. They should be 80 cm wide and 60 cm deep . The excavated soil can be mixed with 20 to 30% compost or well-rotted manure to promote rapid rooting.
Water management and irrigation installation
Irrigation is a key factor in the success of an almond plantation. The plot must be equipped with an efficient irrigation system , such as drip irrigation , which allows for a precise supply of water and nutrients while avoiding losses through evaporation. Access to a reliable water source (borehole, canal, irrigation terminal) is essential to ensure sufficient water supply from the first years.
Protection against erosion and climatic conditions
In windy areas, it is recommended to plant windbreak hedges , approximately 400 linear meters per 1 hectare , to protect young trees from gusts and limit evaporation. For plots located on slopes, orienting the rows perpendicular to the slope helps reduce runoff and improve water retention.
Conclusion
Soil preparation for a one-hectare almond plot in France is a fundamental step that determines the success of the crop. A preliminary soil analysis, thorough cultivation, correcting deficiencies, and optimal landscaping are all determining factors in ensuring the longevity and profitability of the orchard. By adopting these practices, producers maximize their chances of obtaining vigorous, resilient, and productive trees over the long term.
To go further, it would be interesting to study alternative soil working techniques , such as strip-till, direct seeding under plant cover or even soil conservation methods adapted to almond trees.
To summarize: soil preparation, the key to success in growing almond trees
Soil preparation is a crucial step in ensuring the profitability and longevity of an almond orchard. A preliminary soil analysis helps identify necessary adjustments in terms of drainage, fertility, and structure. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports producers in this process, providing them with varieties and advice adapted to the specificities of their soil.
Good drainage is essential to prevent root asphyxiation. Installing underground drains, creating peripheral ditches, and maintaining well-aerated soil help optimize tree growing conditions. Tillage, including subsoiling, plowing, and refining, improves soil structure and facilitates root establishment. Adding organic amendments and adequate base fertilizer ensures a rich, balanced soil for young plants.
Installing an efficient irrigation system, such as drip irrigation, is essential to ensure precise water supply and limit water stress. In addition, installing windbreak hedges and managing erosion strengthens the orchard's resilience to climatic hazards.
Careful soil preparation is the key to a healthy, productive, and sustainable orchard. Buying almond plants from Amandiverse means choosing a successful plantation and benefiting from the support of a recognized expert to optimize each stage of almond cultivation.