Super High Density Almond Crops

• SHD plantation with Smarttree.

• Rootpac 20 in-vitro clone pattern.

• High compatibility with wide range of varieties.

• Plantation patterns (3–3.5 x 1–1.2 m). High plantation density (+2,000 plants/ha).

• Orientation: N-S orientation makes it possible to reduce the street width without shading.

• Harvesting with over-the-row machine.

• Fully mechanised pruning.

• Smarttree plant format, specifically designed for super high density plantations.

• Genetic material. Choosing a low–vigour rootstock is crucial to the success of the plantation. The Rootpac 20 pattern used for a plum hybrid (P. besseyi x P. cerasifera) developed by the genetic improvement programme carried out by our R&D department, has proven to be a high-value agronomic alternative, providing low vigour, improving yields per hectare and boosting farm management. The Rootpac 20 dwarfing rootstock has 60% less vigour than patterns such as GF–677 or Nemaguard.

• Allows maintaining an appropriate canopy volume and crop management to maximise fructification, the interception and penetration of light and to achieve a continuous hedge with numerous branches in the least possible time.

• Planting pattern 3-3.5 x 1-1.2 m (+2000 plantas/ha). No trellis and one stake per tree.

• They should be self-fertile varieties adapted to the characteristics of each region, resistant to diseases and late-flowering if there is risk of frost in the spring.

• Total mechanisation from the moment of planting , with the aim of reducing costs and labout.

• Fully mechanised harvesting: Increase in speed and efficiency using over-the-row machines.

• Early entry into production (year 3), with faster amortisation of the investment.

• Less cultivation work and labour, which is increasingly scarce and costly.

• Better fruit quality. The fruit does not touch the ground and contamination risks are avoided (aflatoxins and salmonella). Greater uniformity of size and maturation.

• Increase in crop profitability and sustainability. The amount of inputs and soil maintenance is less, no dust generating during harvesting and greater efficiency in the use of water, fertilizers and phytosanitary products.

• Allows having almond tree plantations in shallow soils, not possible with the traditional system.

• Total mechanisation from the moment of planting, unlike the central axis layout, which implies significant labour savings.

• Maximum genetic and health quality.

• Grafted in a controlled and aseptic environment, to reduce disease risk.

• Shorter nursery production time.

• Plant, 60 cm high with numerous branches from 50 cm, with stake.

• Strong root system and developed in inert substrate.

• Plant provided with a plastic protector to protect it from the use of herbicides at the moment of planting and avoiding suckers.

• Ease of transportation and planting.