Almond Success:Mastering pH for Maximum Yield
Research-backed pH management for profitable almond production
Almonds are sensitive to soil pH and water quality — and your irrigation water could be quietly undermining your orchard's productivity season after season.
At CTC Waterworks, we've helped orchard growers optimize their water quality for 40+ years. This guide explains why your irrigation water pH matters for almonds, what research shows, and how sulfur burners can protect your soil, boost your yields, and improve your bottom line.
1: Almonds & Soil pH Sensitivity
"Almond trees perform best in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.5–7.0). Alkaline soils and high bicarbonate irrigation water can cause micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron and zinc."
High soil pH can reduce orchard productivity. Irrigation water with high bicarbonates can steadily push soil pH above optimal, tying up nutrients that trees need for leaf health and nut fill.
2: Hidden Risk — Bicarbonate in Irrigation Water
Think of bicarbonates as tiny pH "buffers" in your water. When you irrigate with high-bicarbonate water, these compounds slowly but steadily neutralize soil acidity. It's like adding baking soda to your almond orchard, drop by drop, season after season. Even if your soil pH starts in the optimal range, alkaline irrigation water can gradually push it out of the sweet spot.
"High bicarbonate levels in irrigation water can lead to soil crusting, reduced infiltration rates, and long-term increases in soil pH."
Testing your water's bicarbonate level each season helps you avoid costly soil amendments later. Inline acidification is a proven strategy to manage this risk.
3: Effect on Drip & Microirrigation
"In drip irrigation systems, carbonate and bicarbonate salts can precipitate, causing emitter clogging."
Inline acidification with sulfur burners helps dissolve these salts before they plug your drip system — extending the life of your emitters and improving water uniformity.
❌ High-Bicarbonate Water Problems:
- • Clogged drip emitters
- • Uneven water distribution
- • Reduced infiltration rates
- • Soil crusting issues
✅ With pH Management:
- • Clean, efficient emitters
- • Uniform water application
- • Better soil infiltration
- • Consistent tree performance
4: PNW Bonus — Almond Expansion & Irrigation
"Proper soil and water management are critical for almond production in newer PNW growing regions. Monitoring bicarbonate levels and using acidification when needed are key to long-term soil health."
Even outside California's Central Valley, alkaline water can be a hidden threat. PNW almond growers should test water annually and adjust pH to maintain nutrient availability.
5: Bonus Data Point — Bicarbonate Threshold
"When irrigation water contains bicarbonate levels above 120 ppm, the risk of soil pH creep becomes significant. Corrective acidification practices are recommended."
Why Choose CTC Sulfur Burners for Almonds:
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