What's the best soil for almond trees?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Learning how to grow almonds beginning with soil with good drainage and nutrient retention. Sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is considered the best soil for growing almonds, as it allows roots to breathe and retains moisture. I took an orchard that was struggling because the clay soil was too poor, but when I amended the clay soil with compost, it helped the orchard to have improved nutrient uptake in a few months.
Soil Testing
- Test pH using a kit or lab service, amend with lime if below 6.0.
- Check for nematodes: collect samples from 6-8 spots in the planting area.
- Assess drainage by filling a 12-inch hole; water should drain within 4 hours.
Amendment Techniques
- Mix 3 parts clay soil with 1 part compost to prevent waterlogging.
- Add coarse sand to heavy soils, aim for 30% sand content.
- Apply oxamyl if nematode counts exceed 5 per 100g of soil.
Prevent root rot by making sure that there is excellent drainage.A client who called because their trees were waterlogged was happy when I recommended switching to raised beds and adding perlite to their planting mix.For clay soils, I recommend a compost top-dressing every year to maintain soil structure.If you can mulch with straw, it is an even better way to help regulate temperature and also it reduces nematode activity in a trial in California orchards.
Seasonal Care
- Retest soil pH every 2 years, almonds deplete calcium over time.
- Rotate cover crops like clover to fix nitrogen between rows.
- Avoid tilling near roots to protect mycorrhizal networks.
Problem Signs
- Yellow leaves indicate poor drainage or iron deficiency.
- Stunted growth signals nematode damage or compacted soil.
- Cracked bark at the base points to waterlogged roots.
The lifespan of your almond tree is conditioned to the soil. A site that was well prepared in Madera, California, produced nuts for 47 years before replanting. If you make a soil investment to test and amend the soil, your trees will work for you for decades.
Read the full article: How to Grow Almonds: Simplified Guide for Bountiful Harvests
