Detailed Explanation of Key Points of High-Yield Walnut Cultivation Techniques

Walnut, almond, cashew and hazelnut are known together as the world-famous “four great dried fruits.” Walnut kernels are rich in nutrients, beneficial to human health, and are one of the nut foods deeply loved by ordinary people. Below, the editor will introduce high-yield walnut cultivation techniques.

1. Orchard establishment

Walnut is a light-loving fruit tree and requires sufficient sunlight, so when establishing an orchard in mountainous areas, a south-facing slope is best. It is neither drought-tolerant nor waterlogging-tolerant, so a certain number of water storage ponds should be provided when establishing the orchard, and drainage and waterlogging prevention work should be done well. Its basic site requirements are: relatively gentle slope, convenient transportation, sufficient sunlight, good air circulation, relatively thick soil layer, relatively high soil fertility, and rich in organic matter. In addition, land preparation and application of base fertilizer are important links in improving the survival rate and growth and development of walnut cultivation.

2. Planting

Walnut seedlings should be superior varieties selected locally. Planting density should be determined according to site conditions and management level. Generally, the spacing between plants and rows is 5×6 m, and 22 plants per mu is suitable. When planting, make sure the seedlings are straight, the roots are spread out, and the soil is firm, and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Covering the area around the seedlings with plastic film can preserve water and moisture.

3. Water and fertilizer

Fertilization: Apply base fertilizer every autumn after fruit harvest, mainly organic fertilizer. For young trees, apply 20—30 kg per plant; for trees in the initial fruiting stage, apply 50—100 kg per plant; for large trees in full fruiting stage, apply 150—200 kg per plant. Fertilization methods may be ring-shaped, radial, strip-shaped or hole-shaped. Topdressing should be carried out 2—3 times each year. The first time is before flowering, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, to promote budbreak and growth; the second time is foliar fertilization during full bloom, that is, when 60%—70% of the flowers on the whole tree are open, spray 0.5% urea + 0.2% borax + 0.3% zinc sulfate + 0.2% monopotassium phosphate, to promote uniform flowering, pollination and fertilization, and increase the fruit-setting rate; the third time is in June during the rapid growth period of young fruits, mainly with phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer, in order to promote fruit development, reduce fruit drop, and improve yield and quality.

Irrigation and drainage: Water should be applied timely during flowering, rapid fruit enlargement, after fertilization, and during winter drought and other periods; pay attention to drainage during the rainy season.

4. Pruning

Pruning walnut during dormancy causes bleeding, so the pruning period should preferably be autumn. Young trees without fruit can be pruned early, starting in late August; mature trees should be pruned around October after fruit harvest, before the leaves turn yellow. High-yield walnut tree forms mainly include the central leader delayed-open form and the natural open-center form.

5. Pest and disease control

Walnut trees have relatively strong disease resistance, and the pests and diseases that occur are fewer than those of other crops, but sometimes pests and diseases can still be caused by improper management. Failure to deal with pests and diseases in time can hinder growth and development or even cause death. Spray pesticides regularly for prevention, patrol the orchard, determine the disease according to its occurrence, and then treat it accordingly. After harvest, do a good job of orchard disinfection and cleanup.

Overall, walnut cultivation varieties and planting methods have their specific requirements. As long as planting is scientific and reasonable, achieving high yield is not difficult.