When planting hazelnut orchards, the main problem for farmers is that in order to obtain a high-quality and abundant harvest, they often have to pay large financial costs; Financial costs are so high that the labor involved and the profit from the crop sold are unprofitable. In today’s article, we will try to talk about the correct methods of maintenance of hazelnut orchards and share with you such tips that will help you get a good harvest with the least possible expenses and taking into account all the necessary agro-technologies.
First of all, let’s talk about the correct pruning and shaping of nuts:
Many years of cooperation with Georgian farmers and continuous observation of hazelnut orchards have shown us that in Georgia, hazelnuts are often pruned using the wrong method. To delve deeper into this matter, the main branches in the bush are not properly distributed and their number is not properly selected, and in some cases, the branches are also cut incorrectly. All this ultimately contributes to the spread of various pests and diseases. In addition, the renewal of the main branches in the bush takes place once in 3-4 years, therefore, the plant remains constantly young and cannot enter full maturity, which leads to low productivity and low quality of the harvest.
When pruning nuts, the following should be taken into account:
In our experience, factors to be considered when pruning hazelnuts are: variety, climatic conditions and plant nutrition area. It is also important to constantly monitor the height of the plant, cut out the charred branches as necessary and properly split the nuts, all this will help us to get more and more fruiting growths every year. Practice has shown us that correct pruning and shaping of nuts is an effective and inexpensive way to increase plant productivity and strengthen its immunity.
Optimal number of mother branches
The number of branches in the bush should be selected according to the plant’s feeding area. The feeding area is determined by the distance between plants and rows in the garden. For example, in a garden planted on a 4×4, it is impossible to have 10-12 mother branches in a bush and the plant can carry out its vital processes normally, because at such a time, the plant does not have a feeding area, nor can it take enough nutrients from the soil to nourish the mother branch and grow fruit. provide development. In such a case, we should not be surprised if the harvest is small. It is better not to have more than 3-4 branches in 4×4 gardens, it is also important that the distance between the branches on the ground is 15-20 cm to avoid high competition between them. If the garden is planted on 6×5, we can work one more mother branch (4-5) and be guided by this principle.
How to give the bush the right shape?
Most of the homesteads have very tall bushes. We are often asked why we should control the height of the hazelnut bush, the answer is simple: in the case of bushes higher than 3-3.5 meters, the lower tiers are shaded, the sun almost does not reach these places, and therefore, fruit growths and buds cannot develop on the mother branches. As a result, the bush has a dormant zone only in the trunk, and the lower tier of the main branches remains bare. Nuts are harvested on the growth of the previous year, therefore, in addition to harvesting during the growing season, we must think about the fact that our plant develops as many growths as possible, on which the next year’s harvest will depend. Practice has shown us that it is better to evenly distribute productive branches on all tiers, this leads to the development of more fertile growth and, accordingly, to a bountiful harvest.
Soil loosening
Now let’s talk about providing nutrients to the nut garden. The topic is relevant because, as you know, the prices of fertilizers have increased a lot in 2022 compared to last year. Considering the low price of nuts, it is no longer worthwhile for farmers to purchase fertilizers against the background of the increased price, which somewhat justifies their position, although we do not dispute that organic-mineral nutrients are necessary for all plants.
It is important to find a solution in such a situation, what should a farmer do, whose main income is the sale of nuts, and he could not buy fertilizer. Foliar feeding is one of the most effective means at this time. The most effective and cheapest product available on the Georgian market is Polaris PRO gel . The plant has different requirements for specific nutrients according to the phenological phases. For example: in the early stages of vegetation, it is important for the plant to have enough phosphorus to stimulate the root system, while when the nuts begin to grow this year, it is necessary to provide nitrogen, and when the fruit is formed, the plant makes a great demand for potassium at the moment of filling the heart. The variety of jelly fertilizers allows us to supply the plant with the nutrients it needs at different stages of vegetation. For example, Polar Prof Gel 16:65:15 can be used in the early stage of vegetation, Prof Gel 28:28:28 can be used throughout the vegetation before fruit formation, and Prof Gel 20:10:55 during fruit formation to increase yield and fruit quality.
In addition to macroelements, secondary macroelements and microelements, which ensure the correct management of various physiological processes of the plant, have a great role in the normal growth and development of the nut culture. In addition to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, Polar PRO gel also contains these elements: magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron and molybdenum.
The above tips and recommendations will help you get a good harvest of hazelnuts with the least possible expenses, but remember that along with these tips, the use of high-quality agrochemicals and the direct involvement of experienced agronomists will further help you get a bountiful harvest. To use a similar service, you can contact Agrocompany Baraka
Contact us at 0322044449 | WWW.BARAKA.GE
For more information on these and other topics, see Agrocompany Baraka’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@baraka.georgia2230