Almond Tree - Which organic fertilizers should you choose for almond trees?
Quick Read / The Essentials of Organic Fertilization of Almond Trees
Fertilizing almond trees in organic farming is based on a sustainable approach that prioritizes soil vitality to ensure optimal nutrition for the trees. Unlike synthetic fertilizers used in conventional farming, organic fertilization relies on organic matter and natural amendments to gradually release the nutrients essential for almond tree growth. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports producers in optimizing their organic orchards with suitable and sustainable solutions.
Almond trees require nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and trace elements (boron, magnesium, calcium). Effective fertilization incorporates natural sources :
- Composted manure : 20 to 30 tonnes/ha every 2 to 3 years to enrich the soil and stimulate biological activity.
- Compost : 10 to 15 tonnes/ha per year to improve water retention and nutrient availability.
- Green fertilizers (sweet clover, white clover): nitrogen fixation and improvement of soil structure.
- Commercial organic fertilizers (composted droppings, feather meal) for targeted NPK inputs.
- Beetroot vinasse : a natural source of potassium to improve fruit quality.
- Basalt : 500 kg/ha to strengthen the resistance of hulls to pests.
- Lifofer : enrichment with beneficial microorganisms and trace elements.
Balanced and gradual fertilization ensures healthy tree growth while preserving the environment. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , helps producers structure an effective organic fertilization program adapted to their orchards. Buying almond plants from Amandiverse is an investment in sustainable and efficient agriculture.
The importance of suitable fertilization for almond trees in organic farming
Growing almond trees organically relies on balanced and sustainable soil fertility management. Unlike conventional farming, which uses synthetic fertilizers to quickly compensate for nutrient deficiencies, the organic approach prioritizes nourishing the soil by stimulating its biological activity and promoting a slow and gradual release of nutrients. Choosing the most effective organic fertilizers is therefore based on their ability to maintain soil fertility , support tree growth , and optimize almond production while respecting the environment.
Almond trees have specific requirements for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) , as well as trace elements such as boron, magnesium and calcium. The organic fertilization strategy must therefore integrate natural sources of these nutrients, adapted to the different growth phases of the trees.
Composted manure, an essential basis for fertility
Composted manure is an excellent base fertilizer for organic almond trees. It provides a wide range of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium , in addition to improving soil structure. Its role is not limited to tree nutrition: it also promotes the growth of soil microorganisms , which actively participate in the release of nutrients and the overall health of the orchard.
Applying 20 to 30 tons of composted manure per hectare every 2 to 3 years is recommended to maintain fertile and balanced soil. Spreading should be carried out in the fall or early winter to allow for gradual mineralization of the elements before the vegetation restarts in the spring.
Compost, a sustainable source of organic matter
Along with manure, compost plays a key role in maintaining soil fertility. It improves soil structure, promotes aeration, and optimizes water retention—an essential factor in dry regions where almond orchards are often located. Compost gradually releases its nutrients, preventing leaching and ensuring a continuous supply of nutrients to the trees.
Applying 10 to 15 tonnes of compost per hectare per year helps maintain the organic matter content of the soil and guarantees a good nutritional balance.
Green fertilizers to naturally enrich the soil
Green manures, particularly legumes such as yellow sweet clover or white clover , are valuable allies in organic fertilization of almond trees. These plants have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiosis with bacteria present in their roots. They thus naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for external inputs.
Sown in autumn or spring and then ploughed into the soil before flowering, green manures improve soil structure, increase biodiversity and reduce erosion . They can fix up to 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare , a valuable resource for almond tree growth.
Commercial organic fertilizers for targeted application
Some certified organic fertilizers are specially formulated to meet the needs of fruit trees like almond trees. They provide a balance of NPK and trace elements to support the different stages of tree development.
An organic fertilization program might include:
- First year : 30 units of nitrogen, 30 units of phosphorus, and no potassium to promote rooting.
- Subsequent years : 70 to 80 units of nitrogen, 60 units of phosphorus and 80 to 100 units of potassium per hectare.
These fertilizers often come in the form of granules made from plant waste, composted poultry droppings, or feather meal , and are applied in autumn or spring.
Beetroot vinasse to boost potassium
Potassium is an essential element for fruit quality and resistance to water stress . In organic farming, an effective and natural source of potassium is beet vinasse . This by-product of the sugar industry is rich in potassium and promotes the mobilization of nutrients present in the soil , making them more accessible to the roots of almond trees.
Application must be careful to avoid excess potassium , which could unbalance soil fertility. Its use is generally combined with other sources of organic amendments to ensure an optimal balance.
Biological effluents to enrich the soil with nutrients
Biological effluents , such as poultry droppings and organic livestock manure, are natural fertilizers rich in nitrogen and trace elements . They are particularly useful for supporting the vegetative growth of almond trees at the beginning of the season.
Spreading must be controlled to avoid the risk of root burns and pollution of groundwater . Ideally, they should be applied in small quantities, in addition to other organic amendments.
Basalt to strengthen the almond shell
An interesting application in organic farming is the use of basalt powder , which provides silicon and essential trace elements . This mineral is particularly useful for strengthening the shell of almonds , making the fruits more resistant to attacks by pests such as Eurytoma.
A spreading of 500 kg of basalt per hectare is recommended before planting or for maintenance, by surface incorporation.
Lifofer for a supply of trace elements
Lifofer (Fermented Forest Litter) is an interesting solution for providing trace elements and beneficial microorganisms . Its use promotes better resistance of almond trees to diseases and optimizes their nutrient absorption capacity.
Application can be done by spreading on the ground or by spraying on the foliage, in addition to organic fertilization.
Key principles of effective organic fertilization
The biological approach is based on several fundamental principles:
- Feed the soil rather than the plant : living, well-structured soil ensures optimal nutrition for almond trees.
- Promote the gradual release of nutrients : Organic fertilizers provide continuous nutrition, avoiding sudden deficiencies.
- Improve soil structure : aerated soil rich in organic matter promotes root development and limits asphyxiation problems.
- Limit leaching : Nutrients are better retained in well-balanced soil, reducing losses and environmental impact.
Additional recommendations for optimal fertilization
To best adjust the fertilization of almond trees in organic farming, it is important to carry out regular soil analyses in order to adapt the inputs according to the real needs. Fractional fertilization also allows for better assimilation of nutrients , thus avoiding waste and optimizing the productivity of the trees.
By combining composted manure, compost, green manures, biological effluents and natural mineral amendments , it is possible to ensure effective and sustainable fertilization for almond trees in organic farming. These practices help preserve soil fertility, improve the resilience of the trees and obtain a production of high-quality almonds, while respecting the environment .
To go further, it might be interesting to examine fertilization strategies in conventional agriculture , comparing the effects of different methods on almond yield and quality.
To summarize: organic fertilization adapted to productive almond trees
Organic farming requires careful management of almond tree fertilization to ensure their healthy development without compromising the natural balance of the soil. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , offers tailored solutions to support producers in implementing effective organic practices.
Successful fertilization is based on several principles:
- Feed the soil before feeding the tree , promoting a slow and gradual release of nutrients.
- Stimulate microbial activity through organic amendments and green manures.
- Promote nutrient retention , thus limiting leaching and improving the resilience of the orchard.
- Adapt inputs to seasonal needs : nitrogen in spring, potassium and phosphorus in autumn.
Composted manure, compost, green manures, and mineral amendments such as basalt provide complete, environmentally friendly fertilization. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , recommends a fertilization program based on regular soil analyses and fractional management of inputs to maximize productivity.
With well-adjusted organic fertilization, almond trees benefit from a living and fertile soil, guaranteeing stable yields and high-quality almond production. Buying almond plants from Amandiverse means choosing a healthy and efficient orchard, supported by recognized expertise in organic farming.