Discover the farming techniques for growing pistachios

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Tillage in pistachio cultivation

Importance of tillage in agriculture

Tillage plays a fundamental role in agriculture, especially in the cultivation of pistachio. This agricultural practice consists of marking furrows in the soil with the aim of preparing it for planting, clearing the plots, or allowing greater permeability/oxygenation of the land. The different farming techniques They are essential to achieve good soil structure, allowing better penetration of water and nutrients, as well as facilitating the necessary aeration for root growth.

In addition, tillage contributes to the elimination of weeds and pests, while improving water infiltration and retention in the soil. Through farming techniques, the decomposition of organic matter is promoted, which provides essential nutrients for the healthy development of pistachio trees.

Benefits of tillage techniques in pistachio cultivation

• Improvement of soil structure: Proper tillage guarantees good aeration and a greater water retention capacity in the soil, which favors the development of the roots of the pistachio tree.
• Weed and pest control: Tillage helps eliminate weeds and reduce the presence of pests that can harm the yield of pistachio crops.
• Nutrient mineralization: Tillage allows the decomposition of organic matter present in the soil, releasing essential nutrients for the growth and production of pistachios.
• Improved infiltration and water retention: By preparing the soil through tillage techniques, the infiltration and water retention capacity is favored, which is essential to maintain adequate water availability in pistachio trees.

Farming implements used in pistachio cultivation

Farming implements They play a fundamental role in the pistachio cultivation process. These tools are designed to carry out different tasks that allow the soil to be properly prepared for the growth and development of trees.

Types of farm implements

There are several types of implements according to the different farming techniques used in pistachio cultivation. Below are some of the most common:

• Plows: Plows are classic farming tools used to turn and remove soil. There are different types of plows, such as the disc plow, mouldboard plow and share plow, each with its own specific characteristics and functions.
• Subsoilers: Subsoilers are implements used to break up deep layers of soil and improve aeration and drainage. These tools are especially useful in compacted soils or with problems of lack of oxygenation.

• Chisel: The chisel is a farming implement that works in the surface area of the soil, fracturing and mixing plant remains. This tool is effective in improving soil structure and promoting the incorporation of organic matter.

• Rotavator: The rotavator, also known as a motocultor, is an implement that uses rotating blades to break up and mix the soil. This tool is especially effective for preparing the soil before planting.
• Intercep: The intercepa is used to till under irrigation hoses, from tree to tree. It is essential for woody crops such as irrigated pistachio. Without this work, we would have weeds in the irrigation lines. It works thanks to a rod that activates the hydraulic so that it is collected when it reaches each tree. It is also recommended to use on dryland plots as they allow the 100% of the plot to be tilled and prolong the next tillage pass.

Function and use of implements in pistachio cultivation

Each farming implement used in pistachio cultivation fulfills a specific function that contributes to the success of production. Some of the most notable functions and uses are:

• Soil preparation: Tillage implements are used to prepare the soil before planting by stirring and loosening the soil. This facilitates root penetration, promoting good rooting and optimizing nutrient absorption by pistachio trees.
• Weed control: Some implements, such as the chisel or rotavator, help control weeds by burying or breaking them up. This reduces competition for nutrients and water, favoring the healthy growth of pistachio trees.
• Aeration and drainage: Subsoilers and other similar implements help improve soil aeration and drainage. This is especially beneficial in areas with heavy soils or excess moisture problems.
• Improvement of soil structure: By removing and mixing soil, tillage implements help improve soil structure, promoting aggregate formation and moisture retention.

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