Dr. Guilia Marino leads almond water-saving breakthrough

California's almond industry, a key player in the state's agricultural sector, is currently under pressure to reduce water usage due to ongoing water shortages and the need to comply with water reduction programs. These programs aim to cut water use by 20% from 2020 to 2025, with further reductions planned for 2026. Almond growers are actively seeking effective solutions to sustain their orchards while conserving water resources.

A recent study led by UC Davis Cooperative Extension Orchard Systems Specialist, Dr. Guilia Marino, and her team at the Kearney Agriculture Research and Extension Center, has shown promising results in the use of biostimulant technologies for almond trees. By applying Acadian Organic treatments, improvements in stem water potential and kernel weight were observed, even under conditions of regular and deficit irrigation. This research suggests that biostimulants like Acadian can help reduce the reliance on frequent or excessive irrigation while maintaining almond yields.

Dr. Marino highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive water management practices to ensure the sustainability of orchard systems amidst environmental and regulatory challenges. The initial findings from using Acadian biostimulant technology indicate positive impacts on almond tree water status and stress reduction. Ongoing research will further investigate the effects of these products on orchard productivity and tree physiology.

As almond growers in California strive to adapt to reduced water availability, companies such as Acadian Plant Health are at the forefront of providing sustainable solutions to enhance crop performance. Acadian Plant Health specializes in biostimulants for various crops, emphasizing science-based biological solutions for regenerative and climate-smart agriculture. Their dedication to innovation and sustainability aligns with global agricultural needs, focusing on improving performance while prioritizing environmental stewardship.

The adoption of biostimulant technologies in California's almond industry represents a significant step towards addressing water reduction challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By leveraging innovative solutions like Acadian's biostimulants, almond growers can enhance crop productivity while conserving water resources. This proactive approach not only benefits the almond industry but also contributes to the broader goal of achieving environmental sustainability in agriculture.