ARS | Publication request: Date Production in Coachella Valley, Southwest California

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 13, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Approximately 90% of the total date production in the U.S. is localized in the Coachella Valley, in southwestern California. The remainder is in the bordering Imperial Valley, CA, and Yuma, AZ. The date trees occupy 2282 ha, have an annual yield of 24,000 tons, and a production value of $62 million. Major varieties include Deglet Noor, Khadrawi, Zahide, and Majool. Although climatic requirements for date production prevail in the Valley, major problems related to soil and water have adverse effects on yield and fruit quality. These include water and soil salinity, high water table, high soil compaction and stratification, and low fertility. Slip plowing has been a recommended practice for decompacting the soil. However, soils get recompacted by machinery used in cultural operations. We recently introduced planting cover corps in a no-till system to improve soil fertility, reduce compaction, and improve drainage.