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| Young Trees | Dormancy Winter | Bloom Spring | Fruit Development Summer | Post-Harvest Fall |
Nitrogen (N)
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Leaf Analysis
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N
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Soil Applied N
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Nitrogen (N)
Leaf Analysis
N
Soil Applied N
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Walnut Nitrogen Nutrition
Deficiency Symptoms
In spring, N deficiency is characterized by unusually pale and small leaves. Shoot growth is reduced, resulting in sparse foliage. In autumn, leaves senesce early and the trees defoliate sooner than usual. Insufficient water availability may result in similar symptoms. Yield may decline before N deficiency symptoms are visible. Tree N status is therefore best monitored with leaf analyses [N17, N4].
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Leaf Analysis N
Walnut leaf analyses are more reliable for the diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies than soil analysis [N4].
The N concentration in leaves generally decreases during the growing season. The least change occurs from late June through July. This is the time when leaf samples should be taken. Leaf nutrient concentrations also depend on the location of the leaf in the canopy. The following leaf sampling procedure has been recommended [N1, N2, N4]:
- Take leaf samples in July
- Sample terminal leaflets from fully expanded spur leaves
- Collect leaflets 6-8 feet above the ground from around the tree
- About 50 leaflets are required per sample
- Collect leaflets from 5-10 randomly selected trees throughout the orchard
- Divide the orchard into uniform blocks of trees with respect to soil type, age of trees, variety, and management. A separate sample should be submitted for analysis from each block.
- Avoid collecting from sick, injured or stunted trees.
The critical values refer to a tree. In contrast, the results from leaf analyses refer to the average of all trees sampled in the orchards with some trees being below and others above the average [N3]. For this reason it is important to divide an orchard into uniform blocks where the variability between trees is small.
July leaf N concentrations below 2.1% suggest N deficiency (see Table). The Western Fertilizer Handbook recommends s sufficiency range of 2.3-2.8% N [N5]. This is in line with Weinbaum and coworkers [N21] who reported that the yield of ‘Serr’ and ‘Hartley’ trees was reduced when leaf N concentrations were at or below 2.3% dry weight. Leaf analyses are best interpreted with visual symptoms and soil analyses [N4]. Leaf N concentrations over 3.2% indicate N excess. In this case, the N fertilization program should be reevaluated. Critical nutrient levels in walnut leaves sampled in July [N2].
Interpretation |
Nutrient (values in % dry weight) |
|
Nitrogen |
Phosphorus |
Potassium |
Deficient |
< 2.1 |
|
< 0.9 |
Adequate |
2.2-3.2 |
0.1-0.3 |
> 1.2 |
Excessive |
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N Fertilization of Young Trees
Nitrogen is usually the only nutrient that may be required the first year [N19]. On fertile soils, N fertilization can be reduced or even omitted during the first year or two. Nitrogen application rates for young trees. The lower rates refer to fertile soils and when the N is applied through the drip or microsprinkler irrigation system [N1].
Tree age |
N application rate |
|
(lbs/acre) |
(lbs/tree)1) |
(ox/tree) |
First season |
10-20 |
0.2-0.3 |
2-5 |
Second season |
25-50 |
0.4-0.8 |
6-12 |
Third season |
50-100 |
0.8-1.5 |
12-25 |
Fourth season |
63-125 |
1-19 |
16-31 |
Fifth season |
75-150 |
1.2-2.3 |
18-37 |
1) The application rate per tree is based on a tree density of 65 trees/acre.
In a study with black walnut trees, N use efficiency and growth of first leaf trees were best with an application of 0.1 lb N/tree [N9].
Fertilizer is best applied to young trees in mid-spring and early summer [N19]. Late applications (after August) should be avoided to prevent late fall growth which could be susceptible to freeze injury [N12, N19]. Furthermore, N not taken up by leaf senescence is subject to leaching during the winter. Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in the dry form or in the irrigation water [N19]. Avoid applying near the trunk [N12].
In general, the application of fertilizer or organic material into the planting hole is discouraged [N12]. On a high fertility soil, the application of fertilizer blends containing N, P, K and different micronutrients into the planting hole or mixed into the soil used to fill the holes had minimal effect on tree growth and leaf nutrient levels in the first year [N15, N18]. The amounts of nutrients applied per tree with the different treatments were: 16-54 g N, 14-27 g P2O5 and 5-23 g K2O.
Little is known about the effects of different fertilizer types on young walnut trees. For almonds, Brent Holtz [N10] recommends using granular fertilizers for first-leaf trees, because the risk of root burn is increased with liquid fertilizers as their application may result in high concentrations in the root zone. To second-leaf trees, liquid fertilizers, such as UN-32 or CAN-17 can be applied.
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Soil Applied Nitrogen
About 40 lbs N is removed from the orchard per ton of in-shell walnuts harvested. An additional 20% (8 lbs N/acre) may be lost from the tree in the abscised leaves and prunings [N21]. Furthermore, the N stored in the woody tree parts increases by approximately 15 lbs N/acres per year. This number is based on a study with ‘Hartley’ walnuts, where N stored in the branches, roots and trunks of dormant 16-year old trees was measured [N20, N21], and assumed a linear increase in N storage over time.
The amount of fertilizer N required not only depends on yield, but also on other N sources available and the efficiency with which the fertilizer N is used by the trees (see Table). Irrigation water can be a significant source of N. 27 lbs N/acre are applied with one acre-foot of water containing 10 ppm nitrate-N. Part of the N in organic amendments and cover crops is also available and needs to be taken into account.
Additional information and an N budget worksheet can be found in the UC ANR publication “Guide to Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Use in Walnut Orchards” [N1]. The budget worksheet is also available online [N11]. Nitrogen application rates based on yield and N use efficiency of the irrigation system href="#N">[N21].
Nut yield |
N removed |
Fertilizer N required (lbs N/acre) |
(tons/acre) |
(lb/acre) |
Split broadcast |
Fertigation |
1 |
48 |
86 |
68 |
1.5 |
72 |
129 |
101 |
2 |
96 |
171 |
135 |
2.5 |
120 |
214 |
169 |
Fertilizers are best applied in the herbicide strip along the tree rows and not broadcast over the entire area. Fertilizer applied between the rows is less efficiently used due to competition with weeds or cover crops and lower root density compared to the tree row [N14].
Surface-applied dry or liquid urea and ammonium fertilizer must be incorporated as soon as possible to prevent ammonia volatilization losses [N8, N13].
Fertilizer can be band applied in strips 12 to 18 inches wide under the trees along the row [N1]. The bands need to be within the wetting zone of the irrigation system. Subsurface drilling is not recommended in non-tilled orchards because the drilling equipment may damage tree roots [N1].
In microsprinkler irrigated orchards, fertigation is the most effective way to apply N fertilizer [N1]. The fertilizer should be injected into the irrigation system in the middle third of the irrigation set. For example, in a 18-hour irrigation set, fertilizer is injected from hour 6 through hour 12. This prevents urea and nitrate from moving below the root zone but still ensures that the N is distributed well in the wetting zone and does not remain in the irrigation system [N13].
A number of mineral N fertilizers are available to growers (see Table). Mineral fertilizers contain N in the form of urea, ammonium, nitrate or a mix of them. When losses are minimized and equal amounts of N are added, the effects on yield of these fertilizers are generally quite similar [N1]. Early work showed that ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, anhydrous ammonia and aqua ammonia can be used in walnut production [N17]. The N forms, however, behave differently in the environment. Nitrate is very mobile in the soil and can easily be leached below the root zone with irrigation water or rain. Urea is relatively mobile in the soil, but is generally quickly converted to ammonium. Ammonium is less mobile, but is generally converted quickly to nitrate by soil microorganisms in warm and moist soils, unless they are water saturated. This process, nitrification, can lower soil pH. The acidifying effect is especially strong when ammonium fertilizers are applied by drip systems as they are concentrated in a small soil volume [N22]. Ammonium and urea may be lost through ammonia volatilization, especially when applied to the surface of dry and alkaline soils without being incorporated. Composition of N fertilizers commonly used for walnuts [N1, N6].
Fertilizer |
N content (%) |
Form |
Type of N1) |
Ammonium Nitrate |
33.5-34 |
granular |
50% NH4+, 50% NO3- |
Ammonium Sulfate |
21 |
granular |
100% NH4+ |
Urea |
46 |
granular |
100% urea |
Calcium Nitrate |
15.5 |
granular |
100% NO3- |
CAN 17 |
17 |
solution |
33% NH4+, 67% NO3- |
UAN-32 |
32 |
solution |
50% urea, 25% NH4+, 25% NO3- |
1) NH4+ = Ammonium; NO3- = Nitrate
Virtually no N is taken up during winter [N21]. Earlier studies conducted in Tehama County suggested large overwinter losses of fall-applied N [N16]. Nitrogen uptake is still low in early spring, as more than half the N needed during bloom spur leaf expansion is derived from storage in perennial tissue [N7]. N uptake is greatest from between the onset of shoot growth and the latter stages of nut fill, which roughly corresponds to the period from early April to late July/early August [N1].
Approximately 60% of the annual N demand is derived from N redistributed from woody tree parts [N20]. For this reason, the exact time of application may not be as crucial as it is for annual crops, as long as the fertilizer is applied during a period of active uptake. However, N should not be applied after late June or early July to ensure that it is available before nut fill is complete [N1].
To provide sufficient N for the period of high uptake, Anderson and coauthors [N1] recommended applying one half to two thirds of the N in spring and the remainder in summer. Richardson and Meyer [N16] found no statistically significant difference in yield when N was split into two applications in May and August as opposed to a single application in March or August. However, yield was also unrelated to application rate, suggesting that the soil at the study site supplied a large proportion of the N needed and that yield did not depend on fertilzer N.
When fertigation is possible, the most efficient way to apply N is in small amounts between the onset of shoot growth and nut fill. This practice has been shown to be very beneficial to the health of the trees, while reducing N losses [N6].
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| Young Trees | Dormancy Winter | Bloom Spring | Fruit Development Summer | Post-Harvest Fall |
Phosphorus (P2O5)
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Soil Test
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Leaf Analysis
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P
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Soil Applied P
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Phosphorus (P2O5)
Soil Test
Leaf Analysis
P
Soil Applied P
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Close
Walnut Phosphorus Nutrition
Deficiency Symptoms
Phosphorus deficiency does not result in characteristic symptoms in walnuts. In general, leaf size and shoot length are reduced. Leaves may be yellow and irregular necrotic areas may develop. Leaves senesce early and the trees defoliate sooner than usual [P4, P15]. Typically, the basal leaflet pair drops first [P14]. For a clear diagnosis, visual symptoms are best confirmed with leaf analyses [P4, P15].
Affected Areas
Phosphorus deficiency in California is rare [P4]. Phosphorus deficiency has been described on Hesse and Glenview gravelly clay loams, and on Aiken clay loams, all of which are volcanic soils in Lake County [P14, P16]. For more information contact your local farm advisor.
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Soil Analysis
Soil samples for P analysis should be taken from the main root zone. Even though walnut roots may grow to a depth of 6 to 7 feet, the majority of the roots can be found in the top 2-3 feet of the profile [P6]. For detailed sampling instructions see Soil Sampling in Orchards.
Phosphorus availability strongly depends on soil pH. In acidic soils, P is immobilized by iron and aluminum minerals, while in alkaline soils the predominant mechanism of P immobilization is the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate compounds. For this reason, the recommended soil test depends on soil pH. For acidic to neutral soil (pH < 7.0), the Bray P1 test is generally used. For neutral and alkaline soils (pH > 6.5), the Olsen method is more appropriate [P8]. Using a test that is inappropriate for the soil analyzed may result in inaccurate results.
For intermediate soil P values (see Table), applying the amount of P removed at harvest ensures the soil P availability remains at an optimal level over the years. Approximately 4.3 lbs (10 lbs P2O5) are removed with one ton of nuts. Higher application rates are required when trees show symptoms of P deficiency (See P Fertilization). In contrast, little or no P fertilizer is required when soil P availability is high. Regular soil and leaf analyses indicate whether the P fertilization program is adequate.
In acidic and alkaline soils, low P availability should first be addressed by correcting the pH of the soil. Phosphorus availability is highest in soils with a pH close to neutral (pH 7). Contact your local farm advisor for more information. Interpretation of soil P and K test results for orchards [P8].
Fertility level |
Phosphorus (ppm PO4-P) |
Potassium |
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Bray P1 Mehtod |
Olsen Method |
(ppm K) |
Very low |
|
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< 75 |
Low |
< 20 |
< 10 |
75-150 |
Medium |
20-40 |
10-20 |
150-250 |
High |
40-100 |
20-40 |
250-800 |
Excessive |
> 100 |
> 40 |
> 800 |
Close
Leaf Analysis
Walnut leaf analyses are more reliable for the diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies than soil analysis [P4].
The P concentration in leaves generally decreases during the growing season. The least change occurs from late June through July. This is the time when leaf samples should be taken. Leaf nutrient concentrations also depend on the location of the leaf in the canopy. The following leaf sampling procedure has been recommended [P1, P2, P4]:
- Take leaf samples in July
- Sample terminal leaflets from fully expanded spur leaves
- Collect leaflets 6-8 feet above the ground from around the tree
- About 50 leaflets are required per sample
- Collect leaflets from 5-10 randomly selected trees throughout the orchard
- Divide the orchard into uniform blocks of trees with respect to soil type, age of trees, variety, and management. A separate sample should be submitted for analysis from each block.
- Avoid collecting from sick, injured or stunted trees.
The critical values refer to a tree. In contrast, the results from leaf analyses refer to the average of all trees sampled in the orchards with some trees being below and others above the average [P3]. For this reason it is important to divide an orchard into uniform blocks where the variability between trees is small.
July leaf P concentrations below 0.1% suggest P deficiency (see Table). Leaf analyses are best interpreted in combination with visual symptoms and soil analyses [P4]. Critical nutrient levels in walnut leaves sampled in July [P2].
Interpretation |
Nutrient (values in % dry weight) |
|
Nitrogen |
Phosphorus |
Potassium |
Deficient |
< 2.1 |
|
< 0.9 |
Adequate |
2.2-3.2 |
0.1-0.3 |
> 1.2 |
Excessive |
Very little is known about the effects of rootstocks on leaf nutrient concentrations. One study reported that under identical growing conditions, leaf P levels were found to be higher and K concentrations lower on trees on Paradox rootstocks compared to trees on N.C. Black rootstocks [P13].
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P Fertilization of Young Trees
In most cases, N is the only element required by new trees in most California soils [P17]. On P fixing soils, the application of 25 lbs triple superphosphate per tree (11 lbs P2O5) has been found to alleviate P deficiency of 2 to 10 year old trees for at least 5 years [P16].
Applying P fertilizer in 6-inch deep trenches is more effective than broadcast applications [P14, P15]. The trenches can be 2 or more feet away from the trunk, depending on tree size [P14, P15]. However, the trenches should be within the wetting zone of the irrigation system.
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Soil Applied Phosphorus
Approximately 4.3 lbs (10 lbs P2O5) are removed with one ton of harvested nuts. This amount is based on the following assumptions: shell P concentration of 0.076% [P7], kernel P concentration of 0.363% [P9, P10, P11, P12], and kernel ratio of 49% [P5]. In the long term, this amount should be replaces with fertilizer to maintain the soil P availability at the same level.
Higher application rates are required when trees show symptoms of P deficiency. On P fixing soils in Lake County, P deficiency symptoms could be alleviated and yields increased with a triple superphosphate (0-45-0) application of 25 lbs per young tree (2 to 10 years old) or 50-100 lbs for mature trees [P16]. The treatments alleviated P deficiency for at least 5 years.
Broadcast surface applications are not effective, especially on soils that fix P [P14]. Application in 6-inch deep trenches, 2 to 10 feet away from the trunk, depending on tree size, have been found more effective [P14, P15]. The trenches should be within the wetting zone of the irrigation system, so that roots can access the P.
Phosphorus fertilizer is generally applied during the dormant period in fall or winter [P16].
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| Young Trees | Dormancy Winter | Bloom Spring | Fruit Development Summer | Post-Harvest Fall |
Potassium (K2O)
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Soil Test
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Leaf Analysis
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K
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Soil Applied P
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Foliar K
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Potassium (K2O)
Soil Test
Leaf Analysis
K
Soil Applied P
Foliar K
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Close
Walnut Potassium Nutrition
Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of K deficiency generally appear first in early summer to midsummer. Leaves turn pale and may resemble N deficient leaves. The edges of the leaflets of severely deficient trees fold upwards and curl in. The exposed undersides of the leaves develop grayish cast. Leaves along the middle of the shoots are most affected. Leaf size, shoot growth and nut size are reduced as a consequence of K deficiency [K4, K23]. For a clear diagnosis, visual symptoms are best confirmed with leaf analyses [K4].
Affected Areas
Potassium deficiency has been reported from the Chico area, the southwestern Santa Clara Valley, from sandy soils in the San Joaquin Valley and some soils of Santa Barbara County [K23]. On the east side of the San Joaquin Valley, soil may fix K (see K Fixation in the San Joaquin Valley). For more information contact your local farm advisor.
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Soil Analysis
Soil samples for K analysis should be taken from the main root zone. Even though walnut roots may grow to a depth of 6 to 7 feet, the majority of the roots can be found in the top 2-3 feet of the profile [K7]. For detailed sampling instructions see Soil Sampling in Orchards. Potassium availability is generally assessed by extracting a soil sample with ammonium acetate.
A response to K fertilization is likely when the extractable K is below 150 ppm (see Table). Walnuts growing on soils with extractable K values of 150 ppm or higher are not likely to respond to K fertilization [K9].
For intermediate soil K values (see Table), applying the amount of K removed at harvest ensures the soil K availability remains at an optimal level over the years. Approximately 15 lbs K2O are removed with one ton of nuts. If the hulls are not returned to the field, approximately 230 lbs K2O/acre are removed with one ton of dry hulls. Higher application rates are required when trees show symptoms of K deficiency (See K Fertilization). In contrast, little or no K fertilizer is required when soil K availability is high.
Regular soil and leaf analyses indicate whether the K fertilization program is adequate. Contact your local farm advisor for more information. Interpretation of soil P and K test results for orchards [K9].
Fertility level |
Phosphorus (ppm PO4-P) |
Potassium |
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Bray P1 Mehtod |
Olsen Method |
(ppm K) |
Very low |
|
|
< 75 |
Low |
< 20 |
< 10 |
75-150 |
Medium |
20-40 |
10-20 |
150-250 |
High |
40-100 |
20-40 |
250-800 |
Excessive |
> 100 |
> 40 |
> 800 |
Close
Leaf Analysis
Walnut leaf analyses are more useful for the diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies than soil analysis [K4].
The concentration of N, P and K in leaves generally decreases during the growing season. The least change occurs from late June through July. This is the time when leaf samples are taken. Leaf nutrient concentrations also depend on the location of the leaf in the canopy. The following leaf sampling procedure has been recommended [K1, K2, K4]:
- Take leaf samples in July
- Sample terminal leaflets from fully expanded spur leaves
- Collect leaflets 6-8 feet above the ground from around the tree
- About 50 leaflets are required per sample
- Collect leaflets from 5-10 randomly selected trees throughout the orchard
- Divide the orchard into uniform blocks of trees with respect to soil type, age of trees, variety, and management. A separate sample should be submitted for analysis from each block.
- Avoid collecting from sick, injured or stunted trees.
The critical values refer to a tree. In contrast, the results from leaf analyses refer to the average of all trees sampled in the orchards with some trees being below and others above the average [K3]. For this reason it is important to divide an orchard into uniform blocks where the variability between trees is small.
July leaf K concentrations below 0.9% suggest K deficiency (see Table). Research by Olson [K13] suggested that the lower limit of the optimal July leaf K concentration is 1.4-1.5% and therefore higher than indicated in the table. Leaf analyses are best interpreted with visual symptoms and soil analyses [K4]. Critical nutrient levels in walnut leaves sampled in July [K2].
Interpretation |
Nutrient (values in % dry weight) |
|
Nitrogen |
Phosphorus |
Potassium |
Deficient |
< 2.1 |
|
< 0.9 |
Adequate |
2.2-3.2 |
0.1-0.3 |
> 1.2 |
Excessive |
Very little is known about the effects of rootstocks on leaf nutrient concentrations. One study reported that under identical growing conditions, leaf P levels were found to be higher and K concentrations lower on trees on Paradox rootstocks compared to trees on N.C. Black rootstocks [K22].
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K Fertilization of Young Trees
In most cases, N is the only element required by new trees in most California soils [K24]. Exceptions may be soils with very low levels of available K, such as very sandy or K fixing soils.
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Soil Applied Potassium
The amount of K removed with one ton of harvested nuts is approximately 12 lbs (15 lbs K2O). The hulls contain a high concentration of K. If they are not returned to the field, approximately 35-40 lbs K (40-50 lbs K2O) are removed with the hulls of one ton of in-shell nuts (see below for calculations).
By replacing with fertilizer the amount of K removed at harvest, soil K availability can be maintained at the same level over the years. Higher application rates are required when trees are K deficient. Annual band applications of 240 lbs K2O/acre have been recommended to K deficient trees grown on sandy soil [K17, K14]. On heavier clay or silt loam soils, up to 900 lbs K2O/acre may be required to alleviate K deficiency. In these trials, carried out in the 1980s, adequate levels of K could be maintained with annual applications of 240 lbs K2O/acre once deficiency was corrected [K16, K4].
Potassium fertilization to deficient trees may not show any effect until the second season after the application [K10, K14, K15].
How the amount of K removed at harvest was calculated:
The amount of K removed with in-shell nuts is based on the following assumptions: Shell K concentration of 0.77% [K8], kernel K concentration of 0.45% [K12, K19, K20, K21], and kernel ratio of 49% [K5].
The following assumptions were used to calculate the amount of K removed with the hulls: K concentration of dry hulls: 9.6% [K18]; hulls account for 50-60% of the fresh weight of hulled walnuts; hull moisture content of 88% [K11]; moisture content of hulled shells and kernels: 35% [K11], moisture content of dried nuts: 8% (moisture contents in % of moist weight).
Potassium fertilizer can be banded on either side of the tree or supplied with the irrigation water [K4].
Band applied K fertilizer penetrates the soil to deeper depths and is a more efficient way to apply K than broadcast [K16]. Band applied K has also been found to correct K deficiency more effectively than when applied with the sprinkler system [K17].
In a K deficient walnut orchard grown on a sandy loam, the application of K in a wide band in one pass per tree row was equally effective as the application of two bands on both sides of the tree rows [K14].
Potassium chloride (KCl) or potassium sulfate (K2SO4) can be applied [K4]. A study in an orchard on a potentially K-fixing soil showed that the two materials performed equally well in increasing and sustaining leaf K concentrations [K10]. In the same study, band application of 630 to 1890 lbs K2O/acre in the form of KCl to 8-year old walnut trees resulted in elevated leaf chloride levels the season after the application.
Therefore, when repeated high doses of K are required, K2SO4 should be favored over KCl to prevent a buildup of chloride in the root zone [K4]. Applying KCl on soils with clay pans or high water tables which do not allow adequate leaching of the Cl from the root zone is also not recommended [K6].
Soil applications are generally done in the fall to allow winter rains to move K into the root zone [K6]. When KCl is used, applying the material in fall also allows winter rains to leach chloride ions, which move much more freely in the soil than K ions, out of the root zone [K10].
With the exception of very sandy soils, K is not leached below the root zone. It is therefore possible to apply a larger dose of K fertilizer every three to five years instead of smaller annual applications [K6].
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Foliar Potassium
The effects of foliar K applications to walnuts have not been studies widely. Olson and coworkers [K16] reported no benefits from foliar K sprays on walnuts.
Soil K applications to deficient trees may not alleviate deficiency until the second season after the application [K10, K14, K15]. In this case a foliar application during the first season might be beneficial [K6].
Covert and Connell [K6] recommend using potassium nitrate (KNO3).
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