Grower Analysis of Organic Matter Amendments in California Orchards

Abstract

Organic matter amendments supply crop nutrients and enhance soil health, yet information specific to orchards is lacking. A survey was conducted to analyze use of these materials by California almond [ (Mill.) D.A. Webb] growers. Significant differences were observed for benefits, concerns, and accessibility to manure and green waste sources and between users and nonusers. Use patterns were significantly influenced by heavy and light users, farm size, and geographic region. Enhanced soil biology was the main benefit attributed to organic matter amendments by both users and nonusers. Nonusers showed greater concern for food safety compared to users, and all growers reported greater concern for food safety from manure. The greatest adoption of organic matter amendments occurred on small farms (≤170 ha) located in the north San Joaquin Valley in California. Greater accessibility to manure correlated with presence of dairy farms. Poorer accessibility ratings by nonusers suggest access is a barrier to adoption, as opposed to nonusers having an undesirable view of the practice. Common management included applying organic matter amendments during tree dormancy from manure sources in composted forms with no-till. Heavy users on small farms exhibited the greatest year-to-year consistency and were more flexible with selection of sources and diverse in application methods. Large farms (>170 ha) were less likely to use organic matter amendments every year and less likely to apply them on all their farm area. This study identifies a number of strategies to fill knowledge gaps, increase practice awareness, and overcome barriers to adoption.