Heliae Agriculture Celebrates National Almond Day with PhycoTerra Almond Data

Heliae® Agriculture is releasing new crop trial data from 2020 grower trials on National Almond Day that demonstrates when almond growers adjust their practices to improve soil health, they increase their bottom line.

This recent study shows that almond crops respond within the current production season to an improved soil microbiome by using a superior microalgae food source, PhycoTerra®, to drive aboveground yield and quality. Furthermore, an improved soil microbiome can influence soil moisture characteristics, which can help push the crop through periods of heat and post-harvest moisture stress.

“Last year, we demonstrated that the PhycoTerra® product line of conventional and organic microalgae technology is a proven way to feed and increase soil microbial activity that can have an immediate impact on your tree nut growth and yield,” said Norm Davy, Chief Revenue Officer at Heliae® Agriculture. “Across a wider number of different applications and leaf stages, we were able to show that the below-ground microbiome can be harnessed to improve the growth and development of permanent tree crops.”

In one study held at Atwater, CA on 6th leaf Nonpareil almonds and another at Sutter, CA on 12th leaf Nonpareils, PhycoTerra® had a direct, positive impact on soil microbial abundance and diversity, which led to an improvement in crop performance.

The application of 2-3 gallons/acre of PhycoTerra® over the season, increased yield at both the Sutter and Atwater trial sites compared to the grower standard. The average program ROIs were 14:1 (based on October 2020 Nonpareil nut prices) for the season. At Sutter, the combination of enhanced yield and optimized nut size drove the ROI for PhycoTerra® to an outstanding average ROI of 21:1.

“At Heliae® Agriculture, we believe in delivering solutions to growers to make regenerative agriculture possible today,” said Eric Lichtenheld, President and CEO of Heliae. “We know that success for growers starts with healthy soil, and last year the PhycoTerra® almond crop trials proved results. We saw changes in soil structure, improved water efficiency, optimized tree trunk growth rates and nut size… most importantly almost every trail saw ROI for the grower. We were beyond pleased with our efforts and grateful for the assistance of all the growers we worked with last year to prove the technology.”

To learn more about PhycoTerra®, including where to buy, please visit PhycoTerra.com.

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