The intensively cultivated almond tree with localized irrigation shows rapid growth, early production and good yields in kilos of seeds, according to the first results of three projects carried out at the Torre Pacheco Integrated Center for Agricultural Training and Experiences (Cifea).
In view of the data obtained, and taking into account the prices of recent years, the almond tree can be considered in these cultivation conditions as an alternative to others such as vegetables or citrus fruits, due to its lower needs for water, fertilizer, phytosanitary and manpower.
The objective of these studies, in charge of the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, is to replace other crops with higher consumption of water, fertilizers and phytosanitary products in Campo de Cartagena.
The first project, starting in 2010, aims to verify the adaptation in this region of the Marinada, Vairo, Constantí, Soleta, Belona, Lauranne, Carrero and Coloraba varieties on the GF-677 hybrid rootstock. In 2017, the Penta varieties were also introduced and Makako.
The second project, starting in 2017, consists of a demonstration plot of 1,700 square meters of free almond seed pattern, which aims to verify the virtues attributed to it of having a more pivoting and deeper root system, greater resistance to drought and to the attack of the bollworm, perfect affinity between the rootstock and the variety, low cost and easy to obtain.
The third project, also started in 2017, consists of a 1,300-square-meter plot of high-density, direct-seeded almond trees, with the aim of verifying the technical and economic viability of this plantation system, which obtains fruit from the wall or living fence- bearing, with plantation frames of 4-3.5m x 1.5-1 meters.
Results
In the sixth year of harvest, the highest productivity was obtained with the Constantí varieties, which reach 14kg of grain per tree, followed by Marinada and Bellona, with 13.1kg, figures that at full production amount to 3,000kg. /ha of grain and confirm it as a fully competitive crop, with less water consumption than citrus and horticultural crops.
The Ministry will carry out awareness-raising activities with farmers and technicians interested in visiting and evaluating these plots in the coming years, according to the department headed by Miguel Ángel del Amor.
This initiative is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (FEADER), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.