Nut Tree Irrigation Solutions for Productive Orchards

Nuts are one of the fastest-growing segments in farming due to the growing awareness of their health benefits across the globe which has vastly increased. Nuts also have a longer shelf life, leading to more consistency. These factors drive demand, and higher prices, and have resulted in the expansion of investment in new nut orchards. They’re also considered a nuts cash crop with high returns. As a trusted expert in irrigation solutions for nut crops, Rivulis supports farmers in achieving higher yields and profitability.

The Importance of Proper Irrigation for Nuts  

An adequate water supply is essential throughout the nut development stages to support the growth and texture of kernels. Insufficient water can lead to smaller nuts and lower yields, as water stress affects the size and volumes. Water availability also directly impacts nuts’ moisture content and crunchiness when mature.

Under-watering nuts lead to stunted growth, smaller yields, increased pest susceptibility, and nutrient deficiencies. Overwatering leads to waterlogged soils, root rot, nutrient leaching, and decreased vigor, which can compromise nut quality and productivity for both the current and potentially the following year’s harvest (carryover effect). 

Rivulis is here to help you get the balance right.

Stages of Almond Fruit Growth

In the graph below the three growth stages of the seed of almonds are illustrated, the bigger the seed, the bigger the pericarp that protects it. These size targets are directly linked to meticulous micro-irrigation throughout all stages of growth.

Minimal risk, maximum kernel size, and profit – is what to expect when partnering with Rivulis.

For comprehensive guidance—from irrigation and nutrition to post-harvest care—don’t miss our Almond Tree Cultivation Guide

Micro Sprinklers for Nuts Crop Irrigation

Micro sprinklers are installed on stakes or hung from tubing suspended between the nut trees. A significant advantage of hanging sprinklers from a tube is that they do not interfere with machinery that operates on the ground.

Our sprinklers have a unique design that provides a flat trajectory to help prevent fruit damage while providing a large wetting diameter and anti-insect options. This mechanism closes the sprinkler head upon system shut-off. In addition to protecting against insects from entering the sprinkler, it also protects the sprinkler from dust entering it. 

Frost Protection: Protecting Your Yield

For nuts, frost protection protects the flower and the bud setting in early spring. The frost will not harm the tree but will impact the crop for that season.

The first rule of frost protection is choosing the right area and variety to grow with minimal frost risk. However, as this is not always possible in fields with a risk of frost due to climatic conditions, and in this case micro sprinklers can provide frost protection through releasing latent heat.

Drip Fertigation in Nuts Crops

Drip Fertigation for nut trees offers several benefits in water and nutrient use efficiency and crop health for three main reasons:  

• Micro irrigation systems conserve water by delivering precise amounts directly to the plant roots. This results in minimized evaporation and runoff compared to traditional methods. The targeted approach reduces water and fertilizer waste and ensures plants receive consistent moisture levels. 
• Drip irrigation reduces disease risk by keeping foliage dry and lowering humidity levels that favor fungal and bacterial pathogens. This contributes to healthier plants and reduces the need for chemical treatments. 
• Drip irrigation systems are designed to minimize environmental negative impact.