Production Practices and Quality Assessment of Food Crops. Vol. 1

134 S. Pereira-Lorenzo and A. M. Ramos-Cabrer
timber production should be established in areas where rainfall does not limit the
growth, more than 1000 mm in Spain. When it is under 1000 mmm, growth is
normally reduced. Between 800 and 1000 mm we recommend nut production
exclusively. (3) When the growers have limited labour time due to other activities,
perhaps nut and timber production should be the alternative. These kind of
orchards can also provide pasture.
Some considerations must be taken in establishing new orchards: (1) Plants
must be protected during the first years. Normally, chestnut orchards are established
in open fields, where wild animals and livestock can enter. Damages from
wild animals and livestock can be a problem. Protection with local shrubs like genista
or whin can also help avoid sun damage and early frost. (2) Irrigation must be
provided to each plant regularly during the first two years in summer when it is
necessary.
6.1.1. Orchards for nuts
In medium to fertile soil, chestnut trees develop a big crown and pruning becomes
necessary to increase accessibility of sunlight. In this situation, 10 × 10 m to 12 ×
12 m is recommended (Figure 11).
In Southern Spain, to increase the production during the first years, plantations
at 5 × 5 m are established (Figure 12). But that compels to intensive pruning,
which reduces production, but maintains a very high quality of nuts in terms of
Figure 11. Orchard established to 10 × 10 m in Galicia.