Fertiliser, roller and weeder for cereals

Over the past few weeks, despite rainy and windy conditions, we have completed the remaining tasks on the cereal fields: fertiliser application, rolling, and weed control. With this work finished, the next machine to enter the fields will hopefully be the combine harvester. As usual, we like to carry out these operations in the order mentioned in the title.

Regarding fertilisation, in recent years we have been using YaraVera™ AMIDAS with excellent results. This year we’ve had to make a change, since the fertiliser used often depends on availability at the supplier’s warehouse. We therefore applied ENTEC® EVO™ 24 (+15 SO₃), which contains sulphur, at a rate of 225 kg/ha. Together with the basal fertilisation applied at sowing, this provides enough nitrogen for a good yield, provided rainfall conditions remain favourable.

Once the fertiliser has been applied, the next step is rolling the ground. This process serves three main purposes:

1. To consolidate the soil and improve root–soil contact
2. To press down stones, reducing potential issues during harvesting
3.  To help incorporate the fertiliser and reduce losses due to exposure

Finally, for cereals, we carry out phytosanitary treatment to eliminate broadleaf weeds. As it has been a very wet winter this year, we’re taking this opportunity to apply a fungicide, which will help maintain plant health.

The following products were used:

• Dingo (2,4-D 30% + Florasulam 0.62% w/v. SE). Dosage: 0.7 l/ha
• Trimur (Tribenuron-methyl 75% WG). Dosage: 15 g/ha
• Geriones (Tebuconazole 25% w/v EW). Dosage: 0.5 l/ha

With all these tasks completed, the crop is now well established and on track for the coming months. From here on, the weather will play a key role, so we will continue to monitor the fields closely and hope for a favourable season ahead. Here are a few videos of these works... we hope you like them.

Versión en español.

Pruning Makako almond trees

In late December and early January, during some of the coldest days of the year, we carry out the pruning of our almond trees, as described below. These are tasks that we perform in our spare time left by our main crops, which are cereals and pulse vegetables. Moreover, this is the ideal time of year, as the trees are about to start blossoming and the work that follows involves applying plant protection treatments to take care of them. Almond trees are pruned twice a year. The work described here corresponds to winter pruning, while the second pruning (spring pruning) will be discussed in due course.

Regarding pruning, we apply two types of training pruning, as we have Makako almond trees planted in 2023 and 2024. For the younger trees, pruning is simple: all branches are removed and the main trunk is cut back to the height where we want the crown to form. From that cut, the tree will sprout and start producing new branches. This will become the first tier or set of main branches. Usually, three main branches are formed, although in some cases we have left a few more.

As for the trees planted in 2023, they are now more established. Pruning is still focused on shaping the tree, but the aim is to determine where the second tier will be formed. As you know, almond trees sprout where the branch is cut. New branches grow from that point, forming the next tier. As shown in the video, the idea is to leave a branch about 40 cm long and then cut it. In this way, the tree gradually develops the desired structure.

Versión en español.