Post-Harvest Tree and Vine Care from Salts, Boron and Water Stress

In a short time, harvest of California nut and grape crops will be complete. One main difference 2015 brings compared to 2014 is tree and vine health.

Throughout the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys, especially the southern half of the two valleys, we have never seen so many trees in poor health, and to a lesser degree, grape health, related to salts, high boron levels and water stress.

Growers will be relieved when harvesting is done. However,  the important focus post harvest should be on improving the health of these trees and vines to help ensure better and healthier buds and roots for a good 2016 crop. This is where Helena’s proven products of Hydra-Hume, ECe-XK, and especially Liquid Chisel, can help. These Helena products used in post-harvest irrigation can reduce the effects of salts, while helping move salts out of the root zone.  The goal is to prepare a friendlier environment for a successful crop in 2016.

Liquid Chisel in post-harvest or any irrigation, will improve water penetration, while solubulizing existing forms of calcium.  This improves salt and sodium movement and eventual removal from the root zone. ECe-XK provides similar results as Liquid Chisel does, but with less water penetration capabilities.

Hydra-Hume applied in post-harvest and in-season irrigation reduces the effects of salt and sodium by tying up the sodium and forming a sodium humate compound that greatly reduces the salt index of sodium. Hydra-Hume DG applied on berms provides a greater concentration of Hydra-Hume active for the cost and provides the same salt tie-up as the liquid Hydra-Hume.

In spring irrigations, these liquid products can be highly effective tools to help solve production problems from salts.

- Don Bandoni, Senior Products Manager