Z-Lab

Z-Lab Orchard Analytics

Free science-based tools for California almond, pistachio, and walnut growers.
Developed and maintained by the Zwieniecki Lab, UC Davis Plant Sciences. The research behind each tool is a collaborative effort — see individual tools for contributor details.

Active Tools

PISA-CA
Proactive Irrigation Scheduler
Proactive Irrigation Scheduler for Almonds — California

Satellite-based irrigation scheduling for almond orchards. Uses Google Earth Engine to estimate evapotranspiration, rainfall, canopy size, and soil water capacity for any location in California.

✓ Live Open tool →
Carb-Obs
Carbohydrate Observatory
California Carbohydrate Observatory

Statewide monitoring of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in almond, pistachio, and walnut orchards. Compare individual farms to seasonal state averages and percentile ranges.

✓ Live Open tool →
OBTA-CA
Bloom Time Analytics
Orchard Bloom Time Analytics — California

Prediction of bloom timing based on the Carbohydrate-Temperature model, winter chill accumulation, and Carbohydrate Observatory data. Supports almond, walnut, and pistachio orchards across California.

✓ Live Open tool →

Coming Soon

OYPT-CA
Orchard Yield Prediction
Orchard Yield Prediction Technology — California

Predictive modeling of yield outcomes based on carbohydrate status, weather, and orchard history. Helping growers anticipate harvest volumes before the season begins.

Coming soon
⚠ Research tools — use at your own risk. These tools are provided for research and educational purposes by the UC Davis Z-Lab to support growers and their advisors. Results are based on scientific models and should not be used as the sole basis for management decisions. Supported by the California Almond, Pistachio, and Walnut Boards, CDFA, and BARD.

Current Benefactors

If you find these tools useful and would like to support continued development, please contact Prof. Zwieniecki before donating to the lab. We appreciate your interest in supporting science-based orchard management tools.

Almonds
Almond Benefactors
>$10,000 / year
Walnuts
Walnut Benefactors
>$1,000 / year
Peanuts
Peanut Benefactors
Any amount / year