Soil Health Foundations for Tree Crop Growers
Tree crop growers are essential to the food system and the health of our environment. From apples to almonds, tree crops provide valuable food sources and contribute to local economies.
The U.S. Apple Association reports that U.S. apple growers produce more than 10 billion pounds of apples each year. That production sustains more than 150,000 jobs and generates $8 billion in wages.
What’s more, the Almond Board of California reports that the state’s almond trees store 30 million metric tons of carbon each year, which is the equivalent of taking 24 million cars off the road or shutting down 29 coal-fired power plants!
The resilience of tree crops is largely thanks to healthy soil. The role of soil health is integral to crop sustainability, impacting not only yields but also water retention, disease resistance, and even the nutritional quality of the food produced.
This post will explore the crucial relationship between soil health and tree crop vitality and discuss what growers can do to enhance soil for sustainable and productive orchards.
Why Does Soil Health Matter?
Healthy soil provides the foundation for resilient, productive trees. A trademark of healthy soils is that they tend to be rich in organic matter, which makes them better able to retain water, cycle nutrients efficiently, and support underground microbial ecosystems that make nutrients more accessible to crops. This nutrient availability is essential for tree crops like apples, almonds, and pistachios, ensuring that the roots have access to the resources they need to grow.
In tree crop agriculture, healthy soils also influence human nutrition. Nutrient-dense tree crops — such as nuts, fruits, and seeds — are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals.
Nuts, for example, are high in unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and protein, which help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, diabetes, and gallstones according to the Mayo Clinic.
By supporting soil health, growers aren’t just producing food; they’re contributing to public health.
Water Management and Drought Resistance
Water is a precious resource for tree crop growers, especially in regions facing drought conditions. Whether producing apples, almonds, pistachios, or stone fruits, optimizing water retention is key to reducing irrigation costs and supporting tree health.
Healthy soils with high organic matter content work like sponges, holding onto moisture and gradually releasing it to the roots when needed. This water-retentive quality is particularly valuable during dry spells, helping growers use water resources more efficiently and bolstering trees’ resilience to drought.
Tree crops also play a role in food security by offering a dependable food source year-round, even during droughts or before the harvest of annual crops. Thanks to deep root systems, trees access water and nutrients from lower soil layers, providing a steady supply of food even when annual crops may struggle. This unique capability contributes to the overall stability and sustainability of food systems worldwide.
The Power of pH and Organic Matter
Soil pH plays a significant role in the health of tree crops, as different crops thrive in specific pH ranges. Apple trees, for example, prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 7, while citrus trees grow best between 5.5 and 7. Pistachios favor a slightly more alkaline range of 7 to 8. 1
When soil pH is out of balance, nutrient availability is impacted, which can hinder tree growth and reduce yields. Over time, the use of nitrogen fertilizers can acidify the soil, so regular pH adjustments are essential to maintaining optimal growing conditions.
Alongside pH, soil organic matter (SOM) is a cornerstone of healthy orchards. SOM improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and provides a slow-release nutrient source, nourishing trees gradually.
This steady nutrient supply helps promote healthy, long-term growth and supports the soil’s role in fostering nutritional benefits in crops.
Tackling Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a common challenge in orchards, often resulting from heavy machinery, frequent traffic, and wet conditions. Compaction presses soil particles together, restricting root growth and limiting water infiltration, making it harder for trees to access essential resources.
Implementing practices like cover cropping, reducing traffic within orchards, and adding organic matter can help alleviate compaction. With less compaction, soils can support stronger root systems, which improves the tree’s ability to access water and nutrients, ultimately enhancing tree stability and yield.
Increased Resistance to Diseases and Pests
Healthy soils support a diverse community of beneficial microorganisms, which play a crucial role in protecting trees from harmful pathogens. These microbes act as natural defenders, reducing the likelihood of disease and pest infestations. Trees grown in healthy soils are generally more resilient and less susceptible to disease and pests, which decreases the need for chemical interventions and enhances overall orchard health.
This natural disease resistance, fostered by rich soil biology, benefits not only tree crop growers but also the environment by reducing reliance on pesticides and promoting a more sustainable ecosystem.
Enhanced Root Development
A healthy orchard requires a robust root system. Well-developed roots improve the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, essential for tree health and growth. Deep, strong roots also stabilize trees, allowing them to withstand strong winds and storms. This resilience is especially valuable in areas prone to extreme weather events, as strong roots help ensure the trees’ longevity and productivity.
In healthy soils, roots are encouraged to grow deeper, giving the trees access to moisture and nutrients from lower soil layers. This enhances the trees’ capacity to thrive even in challenging conditions, contributing to sustainable and productive orchards.
Managing Excess Nitrogen
Managing nitrogen levels is crucial for tree health, as excess nitrogen can lead trees to prioritize vegetative growth over root development. This results in more branches and leaves but weaker root systems, making trees more vulnerable to environmental stressors like wind. In fruiting trees, too much nitrogen can divert resources from fruit production to leaf growth, reducing fruit yield and quality.
Excess nitrogen also poses environmental risks. It can leach into nearby water systems, causing pollution and contributing to algal blooms in aquatic environments. This runoff impacts not only the orchard but the surrounding ecosystem, highlighting the importance of responsible nutrient management.
Trees with high nitrogen levels may require more frequent pruning and irrigation, as rapid vegetative growth increases water demand and maintenance needs.
A Brighter Future Through Soil Health
Tree crop growers have a profound impact on the environment and public health. By prioritizing soil health, adopting sustainable practices, and managing water and nutrient resources effectively, growers can ensure their orchards are resilient, productive, and environmentally beneficial. Soil health initiatives contribute not only to healthier trees but also to nutrient-rich crops, making tree crop agriculture a key player in a sustainable food system.
Integrating MyLand’s soil health services can further enhance soil vitality, supporting growers in their commitment to sustainability. By partnering with MyLand, growers can help their orchards flourish for years to come, creating a legacy of sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the communities they serve.
Learning more about how MyLand can help you unlock the full potential of your orchard through better soil health management.
1 Source: NSW Government