What are the key points for managing walnut trees? Explained clearly in one article
Walnut is known as one of the world's four major dried fruits. It contains very rich nutrients and many substances essential to the human body, such as calcium, phosphorus and some other trace elements. As the saying goes, “walnuts nourish the brain,” and this is not without reason. It is one of the most popular nuts in our country. Walnut cultivation is now becoming more and more common, as walnuts are relatively easy to manage and have strong adaptability. So after planting, how should they be managed? Let's take a look together below!
1. Soil
For walnut trees to grow and develop well, suitable soil is essential. The fertility of the soil directly affects the growth rate and fruiting rate of the trees. Properly carry out intertillage and earthing up of the soil to increase the soil's water content, enhance the soil's permeability, improve the soil's fertility, promote the growth of walnut trees, and increase yield and quality.
2. Pruning
Reasonable pruning is a key factor in achieving high yields from walnut trees. If pruning is done after leaf fall or during the bud-break period, it is not conducive to wound healing and makes the tree highly susceptible to pests and diseases. Try to schedule pruning after harvest. Pruning the tree at this time can effectively adjust the tree's structure. Although it will have a certain impact on nutrient accumulation, the problem is not serious.
3. Fertilizing
The growth of walnuts has a relatively large demand for nutrients. When carrying out intertillage and earthing up of the soil, apply base fertilizer and mix the base fertilizer thoroughly with the soil to enhance soil fertility. Later, apply additional fertilizer appropriately according to the tree's growth conditions, weather changes and nutrient levels in the soil. When fertilizing, do not pour the fertilizer directly into the pit; be sure to mix it evenly with the soil, as otherwise it may burn the tree roots.
4. Watering
Watering is essential. After planting, water once to settle the roots, and after each fertilizing and additional fertilizing, replenish water as well to promote the roots' absorption of fertilizer nutrients. Walnut is a water-loving crop, so ensure the water needed during walnut growth. In continuous drought weather, replenish water promptly to prevent walnuts from suffering water shortage, which would adversely affect growth and development.
5. Pests and diseases
Walnut trees have strong disease resistance, and the pests and diseases that occur are fewer than in 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 incidence and treat it accordingly, and after harvest do a good job of disinfecting and cleaning the orchard.
6. Overwintering
Walnut likes moisture and tolerates waterlogging but is not cold-tolerant. After harvest, overwintering work also needs to be done well to prevent frost damage. Before winter begins, whitewash the lower part of the tree trunk to provide insulation. In snowy weather with heavy snow, promptly sweep away the snow around the tree. Cover with plastic film to increase the ground surface temperature and prevent frost damage.
The six points above are a brief introduction to the key management points for growing walnuts. If any one of the above points is not carefully controlled in place, it will have a relatively large impact on the growth and development of walnuts. For example, if pests and diseases are not dealt with in time, at best it will greatly reduce yield and lower quality, and at worst it will cause the entire tree to die. So when planting, everyone must meet all the requirements needed for walnut growth; only then can they successfully survive and achieve high yields.