Inputs singular and combined determine outcomes.  Some are controllable and in order to quantify,  compare, and contrast production we would like to know about our tree and vine producers. We can judge performance against other farmers’ result averages. The Almond Board provides data for this purpose and we can readily see how we are doing in a macro sense. 

The white columns are statewide averages vs. the purple shaded which are ours. The density of trees on a given acre is assumed to be constant but you may not realize that this is not the case. In an effort to increase almond production new farmers are reducing the spacing between the trees and tree rows. (more trees/acre). Science says that, to an extent, there might be gains. A limiting factor would be the ability of sunlight to reach the individual tree.

Therefore a precise measure might be the tree itself. e.g. number of nuts per tree or number of pounds per tree. Whereas acreage is easily determined, number of trees — not so much. Referring to  previous post assumptions, we rely on our Harvester to provide a number. Insuring  Harvester honesty, we know that our tree spacing by design is: 22′ between rows and 18′ between trees. So, knowing an absolute number of trees we need only to subtract the missing to derive the actual.

Let’s zoom in! Can’t get too close however, resolution is restricted. We have to squint in order to realize what we are looking at. Here is a key:

4 missing – you can make out a small spot that is either a hole in the ground or a stump

4 missing – observe 2 recently planted that are a couple of years away from becoming producers. Note the area of shadow (black) cast by the tree (green) 1 newly planted at bottom of this example or is it a remnant? It’s subjective at times.

Toppled tree – see how its canopy lays across the neighboring row. How many missing do you see here?

It is easier to count blanks, the sandy soil is a good contrast to the eye. In healthy areas the tree canopy merges. The individual trees are non-distinquishable in places. View the entire mapping project. I spy 680 missing from the East Block and 675 from the West Block.