Setting Up Next Season for Success

By Michael Jones, Crop Advisor

As harvest winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the season and begin planning for the year ahead. One of the most valuable tools we have as crop advisors and growers is sampling.

By collecting tissue, soil, and hull samples, we gain an in-depth into orchard and vineyard health, evaluate how this year’s fertility program performed, and identify adjustments to make for next season.

Here are three key types of samples to focus on:

Tissue – Tissue sampling throughout the season shows whether trees and vines are
taking up the nutrients being applied and helps ensure levels stay within the optimal
range at each growth stage.

Soil – Soil samples provide essential information on pH, nutrient balance, and salinity
levels, allowing for targeted amendments before winter rains.

Hulls – Hull samples are an excellent indicator of boron status in the tree. Boron plays
vital roles in pollen tube growth, cell wall strength, and carbohydrate transport—all
critical for bloom and nut set the following season.

Post-harvest sampling is especially valuable because it captures the full picture of the year’s nutrient use. These insights help us make informed, precise decisions for next year’s fertility program—setting orchards and vineyards up for a strong start in the spring.