Growing walnut trees

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To obtain healthy and vigorous trees, Agricorti carries out its work according to a precise procedure while fully respecting the environment and adopting cutting-edge technologies.

Planting the Trees

The first step involved a careful selection of the farmland to be used for planting the walnut trees. Specific analyses were conducted to determine the soil type and composition, ensuring the best possible conditions for optimal plant development.
Once this phase was completed, the soil was prepared through ploughing, harrowing, and, above all, leveling operations. Perfectly even and well-drained ground is essential to allow the use of advanced mechanical harvesting machinery.
The trees were then planted in holes previously drilled with an auger, maintaining a spacing of 7 meters between rows and approximately 4.5 meters between each tree.
Immediately after planting, the irrigation system was installed to ensure constant and active growth of the young plants. During the first years, tree care is essential to guarantee consistent production over time. Fertilization, irrigation, and especially careful formative pruning are therefore indispensable.
Around the third year after planting, grass is sown between the rows. Through frequent mowing between April and August, this gradually develops into a dense and well-drained grass cover, allowing timely intervention whenever necessary, even after rainfall.

Pruning and Orchard Nutrition

To ensure healthy tree growth and achieve consistent, high-quality production over time, several orchard management operations are required, the result of years of studies, research, and agronomic experience.
The process begins chronologically with careful pruning between January and February, carried out mechanically. This operation is essential not only for controlling vegetative growth, but also for monitoring and eliminating potential issues.
Pruning residues are finely shredded and left on the ground to naturally increase the organic matter content of the soil.

In spring, fertilization plays a key role by supplying the trees with the nutrients necessary to guarantee both quality and quantity of production. Fertilization plans are developed according to the nutritional needs of the plants, supported by soil analyses and leaf diagnostics of macro and microelements.

From Flowering to Fruit Ripening

From April to August, grass mowing is carried out as previously described, weeds along the rows are controlled, and irrigation schedules are planned and continuously adjusted according to rainfall, temperatures, and plant evapotranspiration.
These adjustments are made thanks to the data collected by the company’s weather monitoring stations. Irrigation is carried out beneath the tree canopy to avoid thermal stress and prevent the spread of diseases.

Water is an essential element for walnut cultivation, as proper water management is crucial for adequate fruit development and high product quality.

Last but not least, phytosanitary monitoring and pest control are carefully managed. Harmful insects are monitored using pheromone traps, which allow targeted interventions during the most effective periods, minimizing the use of plant protection products while respecting the environment.

Harvesting

Once the fruit reaches full maturity, the walnuts naturally fall to the ground. Mechanical harvesting begins when approximately 20–25% of the walnuts are on the ground, starting with tree shaking operations.

The walnuts are then gathered into rows by a special windrowing machine placed in the center between the tree rows. Finally, a dedicated harvesting machine collects the walnuts and separates them from leaves, branches, and soil.
To ensure premium quality, multiple harvesting passes are carried out, since the fruit ripens gradually over time.

It is essential that walnuts lying on the ground are collected as quickly as possible in order to preserve the typical organoleptic qualities of Lara walnuts.

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