California’s lucrative almond industry faces a looming challenge – water scarcity. A multi-year study by Acadian Plant Health offers a glimmer of hope. Their research demonstrates the potential of biostimulant technologies to improve water use efficiency in almond trees. This means growers could maintain crop yields while significantly reducing water usage.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of California, involved applying Acadian Organic, a biostimulant, to almond trees. Researchers monitored water use and yield under both normal and restricted irrigation conditions.
“The results are promising,” says Holly Little, Director, Research and Development, Acadian Plant Health. “We are seeing that using Acadian biostimulants to improve stem water potential can lower the frequency or volume of irrigation needed for healthy almond trees while protecting yields.”
“As environmental and regulatory water restrictions challenge global agriculture, adopting multidisciplinary and holistic water management will be key to sustaining future orchard systems,” says Dr. Marino. “These preliminary results suggest Acadian Plant Health’s biostimulant technology has a positive effect on almond tree water status under experimental conditions and may reduce tree stress. Additional research will help determine the product’s impact on orchard productivity, as well as tree physiology and productivity.”
These findings offer a potential solution for California’s struggling almond growers. Acadian Plant Health’s commitment to sustainable solutions aligns perfectly with the industry’s need for climate-smart practices. Biostimulants like Acadian Organic could be key to ensuring the long-term viability of almond production in California while minimizing environmental impact.
