What Kind of Soil Do Nuts Need?
The kind of soil nut trees require is dependent upon each kind of nut tree. For optimal growth and yield, you must plant a nut tree within a site with the suitable kind of soil and the proper soil moisture and pH. You must also tailor irrigation and sulfur to the kind of tree you select. A wholesome tree typically provides an abundance of nuts. The nuts have been encased in a husk you need to remove immediately after selecting to dry the nuts properly for storage.
Almond Trees
Almond trees (Prunus amygdalus), also known as sweet almond, develop best in places with warm summers in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. These deciduous trees have a minimal canopy, like full sun and tolerate highly acidic to highly alkaline soil. Almond trees thrive in deep, loamy soil that absorbs water quickly, but has great drainage — this tree does not tolerate moist soil. When grown in sandy or shallow soil, almond trees require more frequent irrigation.
Pecan Trees
Pecan trees (Carya illinoensis) only produce fruit in places without long, hot summers, but grow well in different spaces. So even in the event that you don’t have long, hot summers, then you are able to take advantage of the pecan’s appealing pinnately compound leaves that provide moderate shade and its ability to grow in riparian areas, without suffering in the litter problem its fruit triggers. Pecan trees need full sun to partial shade and ample amounts of water, or the shuck splits before the fruit is ready. They thrive in moist to moist, loamy or sandy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth. This deciduous tree, however, tolerates highly acidic to slightly alkaline soil and grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Northern California Black Walnut Tree
Meanwhile, the Northern California black walnut tree (Juglans hindsii), also known as California black walnut or Northern California walnut, tolerates drought, but gives off an unpleasant smell. It grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9. These deciduous trees need well-drained soil cultivated five or more feet deep, or they won’t thrive. They prefer a site with full sun to partial shade featuring loamy or sandy soil with a highly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Transplanted trees or saplings take root best when the soil temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pistachio Trees
Pistachio trees (Pistacia vera) have strong, deep root systems and are sensitive to salty soils. You can develop these deciduous nut trees in all types of clay, loamy or sandy soils with a slightly alkaline pH in a site featuring sunlight. However, pistachio trees grow best in highly alkaline soil with sandy loam, with a pH of 7 to 8. The perfect soil is fertilized with nitrogen each year, together with phosphate and potassium fertilizer every two to three decades.