Guidance for new cultivators of
Turkish Walnut.

WGAT Co-Chair Ergüder shared five important tips for investors who are considering investing in agriculture, specifically in walnuts, and for those who want to newly penetrate the market. He stated that a single walnut tree started to produce full fruit almost 8-12 years after its first encounter with soil.

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Ergüder also stated that a walnut tree can withstand thirst for a long time despite a loss in yield and said, “However, if it stays in water for 48 hours, it can be fatal for the plant. Therefore, land water is very crucial in walnut cultivation.

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According to Ergüder, who has been a walnut producer for about 10 years; Here are the things that those who want to start walnut production should pay attention to:

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1- “A WALNUT TREE NEEDS 15 m3  OF WATER”

 

The first and most important question that investors planning to start growing walnuts should ask themselves is "Do I have enough water?”.

 

A walnut tree, contrary to known misconceptions, needs serious amounts of water to reach full efficiency.

 

A single walnut tree in a season, taking soil structure and precipitation conditions into account, needs approximately 15 cubic meters of water.

 

Thanks to the irrigation infrastructures suitable for the soil structure, the irrigation system and the potential of the trees rise even higher.

 

2- SPECIES SUITABLE FOR THE CLIMATE OF THE REGION SHOULD BE SELECTED

There should be no soil depth or groundwater problem.

 

Additionally, considering the climatic conditions of the region to be planted; It is necessary to choose species that are suitable for the climate and will not be affected by early or late frosts.

 

Walnut is a fruit that can be grown in every region of Turkey. Studies show that the yield at harvest has a direct relationship with the cooling period during winter.

 

For this reason, any region where there is cold water in winter and not affected by early and late frosts in summer is suitable for growing and investing in walnuts.

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However, most of the investments in recent years were concentrated in Thrace, Marmara, Aegean, Central Anatolia and around South East Anatolia regions 

 

3- TTHE NEED FOR HUMAN LABOR INCREASES WITH THE SLOPE OF THE LAND

The slope of the land is another matter of great importance.

 

As the slope increases, mechanization investments decrease and the need for manpower increases. This process leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the investment in the long run.

 

Thus, the investor planning to grow walnuts should ask himself the following question:

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'Will I do this as a hobby or commercially?'

 

If this investment is viewed as a hobby, it is necessary to set a limit to the maximum area that can be truly labored and sensitively maintained.

 

During the season, the unattended part of a garden that requires significant care and dedication can always lower the level of motivation and the overall average yield of the garden..

 

However, if the investment is viewed with an industrial target, a minimum area of ​​250 decares is required for the business. Depending on the ability of the investor, as the field grows and the team becomes stronger, the costs may decrease further with economies of scale.

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4- THE VOLUME OF INVESTMENT MUST BE CALCULATED ACCORDING TO CURRENT COSTS

Contrary to the common misconceptions, the work does not terminate when the saplings are planted, on the contrary, the commitment has only just begun.

 

In line with field management, a walnut tree reaches its maximum yield between 8-12 years

 

During this process, needs can be personally met. Achieving the maximum efficiency and use of a single tractor is the starting point of a successful walnut orchard.

 

According to our experience, a field of approximately 250 decares can be managed with one tractor.

 

The unit cost of the land infrastructure, irrigation system and mechanization investments to be made can only reach an efficient point at this scale and above. Although it is impossible to generalize about the amount of investment, it is useful to calculate according to current costs.

 

Because most business plans and income / expense statements prepared before the investment may differ from the following ones.

 

5- WALNUT MUST BE COLLECTED AND DRIED WITHIN 48 HOURS AFTER FALLING ON THE GROUND

The most important issue during the harvest period is to be fast.

 

The walnut, after completing the maturation process, first cracks its green shell and then falls.

 

In order to protect the crop from diseases and not to compromise on the quality of the product, walnuts must be collected and dried within 48 hours after it falls to the ground.

 

A competent harvesting team, rapid mechanization and the presence of a walnut processing plant in the vicinity are of great importance in maintaining the value of the product.