To help almond growers determine optimum irrigation schedules using the best technology available, the Almond Board of California (ABC) has created the Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum. ABC is committed to improving water use efficiency, and continuously works to add tools and capabilities to its Irrigation Continuum. The Irrigation Calculator is the latest addition to the Continuum.
The online tool recommends the amount and timing of water to be applied to almond orchards based on evapotranspiration (ET) and taking into consideration information about the individual orchard and irrigation system. By automating the recommendation, growers save time, and because the tool is integrated with active CIMIS stations to calculate ETo, growers are assured that the trees are neither overwatered nor under-watered .
To use the Irrigation Calculator, growers will need to enter information about their orchard, including row and tree spacing, soil texture, root depth and some basic information about their irrigation setup. Once this information is entered, the Calculator will provide information for irrigation runs for a week.
The Calculator has built-in links to the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS), which has weather stations throughout the state to measure not only weather conditions, but also how much moisture plants are transpiring. Growers select which weather station is closest to their operation to receive the most accurate information. The time needed for different irrigation systems to replace the water lost in a specific time period will be calculated and provided through the calculator.
Through means such as the Irrigation Calculator, ABC strives to assist all almond growers in meeting level 1.0 proficiency on the Irrigation Continuum. To further improve irrigation practices, Almond Board of California will work independently with growers to help them continue to advance within the Continuum.
Using the Irrigation Calculator and the other educational content included within the tool will qualify growers at the 1.0 or higher level in the Irrigation Continuum.
For more information, please contact Jenny Nicolau at jnicolau@almondboard.com or (209) 343–3248.
