The drought in California is creating an unexpected threat to the state’s almond growers. Water drawn from wells on the west side of Central California is high in salt, says Valley Public Radio in Fresno, which could adversely affect crop yields. Grower Paul Parreira says, “Everybody is watering at minimum levels with high salinity water. It’s a double-edged sword.” The Almond Board of California, which is funding research on the impact of salinity on growth and productivity, says salt is a factor in a projected 4-percent decline in yields this year. Farm adviser David Doll of U-California Extension, nicknamed the Almond Doctor, says rainfall normally would flush away salt. “But if rain doesn’t come, Doll says to expect a shrinking California almond crop in the years to come,” says Valley Public Radio.