Pistachio Tree Soil Conditions and Preparation

Pistachio Tree Soil Requirements

Although it can be adapted to a variety of soils, pistachio tree prefers relatively deep, light, dry and sandy loam soils, with high calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) concentration. It does not tolerate wet, heavy soils and especially not well drained soils. However, it tolerates slightly acidic, alkaline or soils with salinity. Delicious pistachios are often produced on well drained calcareous and boric soils of medium texture. Calcareous soils often contain more than 15% CaCO₃.

Pistachio Tree Soil Preparation

Before planting the young pistachio trees, the soil has to be plowed at a depth of 20-27 inches (50-70 cm). Tillage aims at the destruction of perennial weeds and soil fluffing, which is necessary for the development of the root system. Before plowing, pistachio farmers often take soil samples and send them to laboratory, in order to know exactly the nutrients content. According to the results, a certified agronomist can specify the type and quantity of chemical fertilizers needed. However, many pistachio farmers add 20-30 tons of manure per hectare and plow well before planting the young seedlings. (1 hectare = 2,47 acres = 10.000 square meters and 1 ton = 1000 kg = 2205 lbs.)

Keep in mind that if cotton or solanaceae species (potato, tomato, eggplant, tobacco) have been grown in the ground, then the field must be left fallow for at least four years before planting pistachio trees. The reason is to minimize the risk of Verticillium spp. infection of young pistachio trees. Alternatively, a farmer can sow a variety of grasses for a couple of years (ask a certified agronomist).

You can enrich this article by leaving a comment or photo of your pistachio farm soil preparation methods.

1.) Pistachio Tree Information

2.) How to grow Pistachio Tree from nut

3.) Starting a Pistachio Orchard

4.) Pistachio Tree Growing Conditions

5.) Pistachio Tree Propagation and Pollination

6.) Pistachio Tree Soil Conditions and Preparation

7.) Pistachio Tree Planting

8.) Pistachio Tree Training and Pruning

9.) Pistachio Tree Fertilizer Requirements

10.) Pistachio Tree Water Requirements

11.) Pistachio Tree Harvest & Yields

12.) Pistachio Tree Diseases & Pests

13.) Q&As Pistachios

14.) Pistachio Bulk Prices

Do you have experience in Pistachio Tree cultivation? Please share your experience, methods and practices in the comments below. All the content you add will be soon reviewed by our agronomists. Once approved, it will be added to Wikifarmer.com and it will influence positively thousands of new and experienced farmers across the world.