Studies and work prior to planting pistachios
Studies and work prior to planting pistachios
To ensure the success of any agricultural project, it is essential to carry out prior studies that help to understand the technical and economic feasibility of cultivation. Afterwards, if the viability is confirmed and the profitability of the plantation is determined, it is also necessary to focus on the land to carry out work that allows for its initial conditioning.
In pistachio cultivation, these preliminary studies and activities are essential to achieve optimal plant development and achieve the expected quantity and quality of productionOnly in this way is it possible to achieve the projected benefits over time.
In this post we offer a global look at the different analysis, studies, designs and projections that must be carried out beforehand to determine the viability of the pistachio plantation. In addition, we discuss the main tasks that are carried out for the preparation of the farm.
Studies prior to planting pistachios
Previous studies on water quality and availability in pistachio planting.
The technical studies These preliminary tests will accurately indicate whether or not a farm is suitable for the cultivation and optimal development of pistachios. These tests include the necessary analyses to ensure the plantation's efficiency and high profitability. In addition, there is the financial analysis with which it is possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the project.
Let's see what each of these studies consists of.
Soil and climate analysis
The climate It is the main determining factor in pistachio cultivation. Its study is carried out by analyzing historical data collected by meteorological observatories on relative humidity, precipitation, average temperature, cold/heat units, etc.
- In this way, it is possible to determine the variety that best adapts to the characteristics of the plantation, among other data.
Another of the conditions is soilFor this reason, it is always advisable to carry out test pits by drilling into the soil and extracting samples to assess its structure and composition at different depths.
- This provides information on the soil's organic matter layer, impermeable layers, texture, pH, mineral nutrients, and more. This information allows us to determine how suitable the soil is for pistachio cultivation, what nutrient dosage should be applied, and the likelihood of waterlogging, among other things.
Study of water quality and availability
Is necessary conocer how much water is available for irrigation, whether through wells on the farm or surface water. It's also important to assess natural water availability through soil water balance and consider the area's rainfall, as in the case of dryland farming.
On the other hand, determine water quality The available water supply is also a factor that influences crop success. To do this, samples are taken from surface water (rivers) or groundwater (wells) that supply the land, and parameters such as dissolved salts, pH, hardness (presence of magnesium, carbonates, and calcium), etc. are determined.
- E.g.Depending on the salinity, water may be absorbed more or less quickly by the soil substrate. On the other hand, magnesium and calcium are nutrients necessary for plant development and sometimes require additional fertilizers, but an excess of these nutrients can be harmful.
Land measurement
It is also necessary to carry out precise measurement of the terrain, both to determine the actual surface area that can be used for pistachio cultivation and to determine how many plants can be planted, service roads, and other issues that affect the management of the farm.
For this purpose it is used high-precision technology, such as GPS global positioning systems or 3D scanners for topographic surveying. Drones equipped with sensors and cameras can also be used to complement high-definition aerial surveys.
Choosing the pistachio variety
In the pistachio plantation they should be sown female varieties, to provide the fruits, and male, which are the ones that produce pollen.
The selection criterion It will be largely determined by the variety's suitability for the area's climatic characteristics. When choosing male varieties, the main consideration is their correct timing with the flowering of the female variety.
Planting frame design
The planting framework must be designed taking into account soil characteristics, water availability, and the selected pistachio varieties. This involves defining both the required distance between trees and their proper spatial distribution.
For example:
- In irrigated plantations you can choose a planting frame of 6X5, 6X4 or 6X3. A 6X5 means the trees will be located:
- 6 meters distance between streets
- 5 meters of separation within the rows.
- In irrigated plantations you can choose a planting frame of 6X5, 6X4 or 6X3. A 6X5 means the trees will be located:
- Pollinating varieties should be planted against the wind, on edges or terraces, to facilitate the transfer of pollen.
Un good planting frame It helps to optimize resources in crop management and reduce costs and facilitates mechanized harvesting activities.
Economic feasibility study
Every agricultural project must be based on a economic and financial study that provides data on the initial investment required, annual production costs and the profitability of the plantation.
- Consists in the calculation of the direct and indirect costs involved in pistachio cultivation, in determining the return on investment and in projecting profits over time.
- It is indispensable for determine risks and limitations, identify opportunities and evaluate the different alternatives to achieve an efficient and economically stable project.
Preliminary work before planting pistachios
Preliminary work such as subsoiling, moldboard plowing, and harrowing are essential for proper soil preparation.
Among the preliminary activities in a pistachio plantation are also the following: soil preparation and improvement work to prepare the farm. Such as the following:
Subsoiled
One of the first tasks is breaking up and decompacting soil layers using a subsoilerThis is a piece of equipment that is responsible for scarifying the soil to a certain depth (approximately between 1 m and 1,50 m deep).
This promotes soil aeration and improves drainage conditions, helping the plant grow, both in its stem and its root system.
Moldboard plow
Other tasks that complement the previous work are the moldboard plow through a agricultural implementIts main purpose is to break up large clods.
In addition, it helps mix and incorporate Mineral amendments and fertilizers that have been used to improve or correct soil conditions
Pass of stands
This work is carried out in order to break up clods of earth, which may have been left behind after plowing, to achieve a finer soil. This is a very important activity because it increases the homogenization of the various soil components and eliminates unnecessary drainage in the planting rows.
Land leveling
It is an essential work for the uniform distribution of water irrigation, prevention of flooded areas and water saving.
For greater efficiency, it is recommended to automatic land leveling through the use of precision farming technology, such as GPS-enabled tractors equipped with powerful precision software.
Amendments and fertilizer
In the case of nutrient-poor soils, it is necessary to correct the deficit by means of a mineral amendment that provides the necessary amounts of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, etc. Amendments are also used to correct soil acidity.
In addition, it is essential to carry out a pre-subscriber, in which organic matter is provided to provide other micronutrients and microorganisms.
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In the cultivation of pistachios, almonds, olives, and grapes, it is essential to have the advice of expert professionals who have the knowledge and technology necessary to carry out the preliminary studies and work.
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We have a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals to carry out all the technical and economic studies necessary for the start of cultivation. We also handle all the work required for land preparation.
We employ cutting-edge technology for maximum efficiency, speed, and precision in field analysis and preliminary work. And, if needed, we can fully manage the entire plantation.
At Agróptimum, we are your partner in sustainable, innovative, and high-performance agricultural projects. Contact usWe offer you a new business vision for more profitable and efficient crops.
Javier Gallego Largo
R&D Director of Agróptimum.
