General info

Around the turn of the century the state of Nevada boasted a thriving pomological industry. Shortly thereafter, with the onset of a mining depression, the industry gradually failed and horticultural research was dormant until 1960 when interest revived. Small horticultural greenhouse businesses struggled for several years but likewise have been unsuccessful. Locally, strong interests in sod production and retail ornamentals have developed. The major horticultural crops in western Nevada are potatoes, cantaloupe, onions and garlic; in southern Nevada sod and some apples are grown, with experimental plantings of grapes and nuts. Production in the remainder of the state is negligible. Nevada is mostly high desert with numerous mountain ranges. Western Nevada valleys have elevations of 1370 m, an average annual rainfall of 200 mm and an average growing season of 130 days. Daytime temperatures in winter are in the mid forties (ºF) and summer average 90ºF. Winter lows may reach -20ºF, but more commonly are in the low 20's (ºF). North central and eastern desert valleys are higher in elevation, have shorter growing seasons and harsher climates.

Southern Nevada valleys are 365 to 550 m in elevation, average 100 turn annual precipitation, and are extremely hot in summer (100ºF/80ºF day-night) and cold in winter (50ºF/30ºF day-night). Winter low's maybe lower than 10ºF. The growing season averages about 250 days.

Soils range from sandy loam to silty clay loams throughout the state with extremes of sandy to heavy clay. Most have a high pH (7.4 to 8.2) and many are sodic and/or saline.

Organisations / Institutes:
Nevada CropMAP
University of Nevada Reno
College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources
Cooperative Extension
Agricultural Experiment Station
Nevada
Department of Agriculture
Nevada Agricultural Statistics Service
Landscape Association
Agricultural Foundation
Arboretum at UNLV

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