Abstract
Almond requires 17 elements for growth and development and, if any of these elements are deficient, growth and production are impaired. These 17 elements are called essential elements and include carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chloride (Cl), molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni). This chapter describes three methods of monitoring the nutrient supply and diagnosing nutrition problems in almond: (i) soil analysis, (ii) leaf analysis, and (iii) visual inspection (symptoms). Because of their central importance to almond production, N and K fertilizer management are discussed in more detail. The 4R (right rate, right time, right placement and right source) approach to fertilizer management is explained. The occurrence, identification and correction of common nutrient disorders are described, as well as the damages caused by nutrient toxicities.