Nuts: Not All Potassium Sources Are The Same

摘要

IN 2008, a sharp increase in the price of potassium sulfate (potash) had a significant impact on the amount of material used in almonds. Growers watched the price of potash more than triple over a two- to three-year period, settling at almost $1,200 per ton. As a result, many growers opted to "skip" that year's application. In some cases this "skip" turned into two or three years, as the price still hovered in the $900 to $1,000 per ton range. Unfortunately the consequences of not supplying a steadydose of potassium have both long- and short-term ramifications. In the short term, growth may be reduced and nut sizes may be smaller. In the long term, a reduction in the renewal of fruiting spurs will lower cropping potential and require two to three years to regenerate, assuming potassium levels are restored.