Walnut trees take their place among the most common fruit trees in Anatolian lands. For this reason, it is possible to come across a walnut tree in almost every garden in our country. The fact that it is such a suitable tree for the soil and climate of Anatolia is also reflected in Turkish cuisine. Therefore, it ranks among the most frequently consumed nuts in our country. The richness of vitamins and minerals in its content ensures its high preference by experts. Consequently, walnut cultivation emerges as a growing sector.
Walnut cultivation is not only about establishing walnut orchards but also involves the drying stage after harvesting. Therefore, in order for the produce to reach a commercial value, it needs to be dried and prepared for sale using a walnut drying rack.
How is Walnut Cultivation Done?
Walnut cultivation starts with the establishment of walnut orchards and ends with the drying of fresh walnuts using a walnut drying rack. Therefore, it consists of many different stages.
Establishment of Walnut Orchards
The most suitable times for establishing walnut orchards are November and December. The reason for the establishment of walnut orchards during these months is that the removal of bare-root seedlings varies between March and October. Planting the seedlings removed during these months in November and December ensures maximum benefit. The seedlings left in the soil throughout the winter get accustomed to it, and there is enough time for the seedlings to wake up.
The soil where walnut seedlings will be planted also needs to be prepared. For this, depending on the soil structure, blasting should be done within the range of 60 to 90 cm. Otherwise, the roots of the seedlings will remain within 30-40 cm, which will not be sufficient for the tree's nutrition.
The planting intervals of the seedlings should be prepared as 5*7. After planting, bamboo or plant support sticks should be used to support the seedlings. The holes where the seedlings will be planted should be 1 meter deep and 1 meter in diameter. This ensures that the roots penetrate 40 cm below the soil.
Soil analysis should also be performed during the planting stage of the seedlings. If the amount of organic matter is low in the analysis, then 2 kg of leonardite per pit will be sufficient. After planting, there is no need to water the seedlings until May.
When May comes, weed cleaning and soil maintenance should be done. In the next stage, pruning should be done. Since this stage is 100% effective on garden yield, it is one of the most important practices.
Pruning of Walnut Seedlings
Pruning is crucial for the nutrition of the leader. Because there is a 20% chance of awakening for the reserve buds, and in this case, nutrients go to the reserve buds, resulting in less nutrition for the leader and naturally, a decrease in yield.
Leaving the shoots close to the ground increases the amount of nutrients taken from the soil. In addition, walnut seedlings may bear fruit in their first year. In this case, the fruits should be removed; otherwise, the leader will receive less nutrition.
Pruning the Leader
Four buds should be left on walnut seedlings. The reason for this is to ensure the guarantee of the leader due to the formation of seedlings over time or damage to the shoots by animals. By mid-April, the strongest shoot among the developed shoots should be left. This shoot becomes the leader, and all the nutrients are directed to it.
Fertilization and Irrigation
The time for fertilization of walnut orchards is the first week of June. This fertilization should be done during the first 4 watering stages. The fertilization consists of DAP, nitrogen, ammonium sulfate sugar, and humic acid, respectively.
For irrigation of walnut orchards, the period between the beginning of June and the middle of August is sufficient. During this period, irrigation should be done about 10 times on average.
Walnut Drying
After harvesting walnuts, it is necessary to dry the produce to increase its economic value. Since this process requires extensive space, modern cultivators often utilize walnut drying racks.
The walnut with a green shell at the harvest stage is called fresh walnut. The longer the green shell remains on the walnut, the worse the quality of the walnut will be. Therefore, the drying process must be done as quickly as possible. One of the best tools to expedite this process is the walnut drying rack. With Zem Raf Systems' quality products and services, you can easily access the solution of new or "almost new" second-hand walnut drying racks.
Walnut Drying Methods
The aim during the walnut drying process is to reduce the moisture content of the walnut to between 8% and 10%. The methods vary according to the quantity of the product and the area where drying will be done.
Natural Drying
This is the most preferred method in our country. In this method, a walnut drying rack is used. Walnut drying racks are placed as a single layer in a place with good shade and air circulation. You can choose Zem Raf for your needs of new and second-hand walnut drying racks.
Due to the wire structure of the walnut drying rack, walnuts can breathe from all four sides. This allows the walnuts to dry more quickly. In addition, since the walnut drying rack has wheels, the products can be easily moved to areas that do not receive rain during the variable weather conditions at harvest. Finally, due to allowing the walnuts to be spread out for drying, there is less need for stirring.