At Agro Vivero del Mediterráneo, we have spent many years passionately dedicated to the fascinating world of the pistachio. Our experience has taught us that the success of a plantation is cemented in the first months of the trees’ life. A good start is the guarantee of a future abundant and quality harvest. That is why we want to share with you, future and current farmers, our complete guide on pistachio tree care in its first year. This period is undoubtedly the most critical and delicate, and the profitability of your plantation will largely depend on it. 🌳

The first year is a long-distance race where every detail counts. From land preparation to the first irrigation, through the training of the young tree, each action has a direct impact on its root development, vegetative growth, and ultimately, its precocity and productive capacity. We understand that for many, this is a new path full of uncertainties. Don’t worry! We are here to accompany you every step of the way. Through our services, we offer comprehensive advice ranging from initial planning to complete farm management.

The main objective during this first year is very clear: to achieve a strong and deep root system and a vigorous, straight axis or trunk with the appropriate height to form the future tree crotch. A well-anchored tree with a correct initial structure will be more resistant to climatic adversities, more efficient in absorbing water and nutrients, and, of course, more productive throughout its life.

Below, we will break down month by month and task by task, all the care your young pistachio trees will need to become the champions you expect. Let’s get to it!

Land preparation: The cradle of success

Even before receiving your pistachio plants, work begins in the field. Correct soil preparation is the first big step towards success. At Agro Vivero del Mediterráneo, we always insist that you cannot skimp on this phase. Well-prepared soil will facilitate root development, improve water infiltration and nutrient availability.

Ideally, perform deep subsoiling, at about 80-100 cm. This task breaks compacted soil layers, especially the one known as “plow pan,” allowing pistachio roots to explore a larger volume of soil in search of water and food. Let’s think that the pistachio tree is a tree with a very powerful taproot system, and we must give it every facility to develop in depth from the first moment.

After subsoiling, we recommend moldboard plowing to turn the soil and bury existing weeds. Finally, a couple of harrow or cultivator passes will leave the ground fluffy and level, ready for staking out and planting.

It is also time to perform a soil analysis. Knowing the pH, texture, organic matter levels, and nutrients present will allow us to make necessary amendments. The pistachio tree prefers soils with a slightly alkaline pH, between 7 and 8. If your soil is acidic, liming will be necessary. Similarly, if it is poor in organic matter, a contribution of well-composted manure or quality compost before planting will be a very profitable investment in the long term.

Plant choice: Quality above all

Plant material quality is, along with land preparation, the fundamental pillar of your future plantation. Perfectly prepared soil is useless if we plant a weak tree or one with phytosanitary problems. In our nursery, we produce each pistachio plant with the highest quality standards, ensuring a well-developed root system and impeccable plant health.

We always recommend using vigorous rootstocks adapted to your soil conditions, such as UCB-1, known for its resistance to Verticillium wilt and good performance in a wide range of soils. The plant should have a minimum height of 60-80 cm and a good trunk caliber. Be wary of very cheap plants; often, cheap is expensive in agriculture. A lower quality plant can mean a year’s delay in entering production or, in the worst case, tree death and the need to replant.

If you have doubts about which rootstock or variety best suits your area, do not hesitate to contact us. Our technical team will be happy to advise you so you make the best decision.

Planting time: “P” Day

Planting is an exciting moment. 🎉 It is normally done between February and April, once the risk of heavy frosts has passed. The process must be careful not to damage the young plant’s roots.

1. Staking out: Mark on the ground the exact location of each tree according to the chosen planting frame (usually 6×6 meters or 7×5 meters).

2. Hole digging: Holes do not need to be excessively large if the land has been correctly subsoiled. A size of 40x40x40 cm is usually sufficient.

3. Planting: Before placing the plant in the hole, it is fundamental to hydrate the root ball well. Place the plant in the hole so that the graft point (if the plant is already grafted) is always between 5 and 10 cm above ground level. This is CRUCIAL to avoid sucker emission from the rootstock and possible collar diseases.

4. Filling: Fill the hole with the same soil you took out, breaking up clods. It is not recommended to add fertilizer directly into the hole, as it could burn tender roots.

5. First irrigation or planting irrigation: Immediately after planting, give each tree abundant irrigation, about 20-30 liters. This irrigation, known as “settling irrigation,” is vital to eliminate air pockets and ensure good contact between roots and soil.

Irrigation during the first year: The key to survival

The pistachio tree is famous for its drought resistance, but it develops this characteristic over the years. During the first year, the root system is still small and superficial, so the tree is very dependent on irrigation. Water stress in this phase can stop its growth and even cause its death.

Irrigation frequency and allocation will depend on several factors: soil type, weather, and time of year. As a general rule, during the hottest summer months (June, July, and August), it will be necessary to water at least once a week.

Our recommendation is to install a drip irrigation system from the beginning. It is the most efficient system and allows applying water and fertilizers directly to the root zone. Place two drippers per tree, about 20-30 cm on each side of the trunk.

How much water does a pistachio tree need in its first year? It’s the million-dollar question. A good reference is to provide between 1,000 and 1,500 cubic meters per hectare throughout the first irrigation cycle (from April to September). This translates into weekly irrigations of about 40-60 liters per tree at times of maximum demand. However, the most important thing is to observe the tree’s condition and soil moisture. A simple trick is to dig a little by hand near the dripper; if the soil is moist at 15-20 cm depth, irrigation has been correct.

It is fundamental to avoid both deficit and excess water. Prolonged waterlogging can cause root asphyxia and the appearance of fungal diseases such as Phytophthora. The soil should be moist, but never waterlogged.

Fertilization: Nourishing the future

During the first year, the goal of fertilization is not production, but stimulating balanced vegetative growth. Nutritional needs are relatively low, but must be applied at the right time.

We recommend starting with fertigation (applying fertilizers dissolved in irrigation water) from May or June, once the tree has sprouted and shows signs of active growth. Before that, the plant nourishes itself from its own reserves and nutrients available in the soil.

A typical fertilization plan for the first year could be:

• Nitrogen (N): It is the engine of growth. It is crucial for leaf and stem development. We will apply small doses frequently. A total of 30-40 fertilizer units (FU) of nitrogen per hectare, distributed throughout the irrigation cycle, is a good starting figure.

• Phosphorus (P): Essential for root system development. Its mobility in soil is low, so it is important that it is available near roots from the beginning. About 15-20 FU/ha will be sufficient.

• Potassium (K): Helps the plant be more resistant to stress (water, thermal) and diseases. Provides vigor and quality to plant tissues. About 20-30 FU/ha is an adequate dose.

These nutrients can be provided through soluble complex fertilizers (type 20-5-10, for example) or with simple fertilizers. In addition, applying amino acids and biostimulants at times of greatest stress (extreme heat, transplant) can be of great help for the plant to overcome these critical phases without stopping its growth.

Remember that these are indicative figures. The definitive fertilization plan must always be based on soil analysis and continuous observation of the plantation’s condition. Excess nitrogen, for example, can cause overly exuberant and tender growth, making the tree more prone to pests like aphids.

Tree training: Sculpting a champion

Training pruning during the first year is, in reality, a “non-pruning” in many cases, or rather, a series of very selective interventions. The goal is to direct all plant vigor towards forming a single vertical, strong, and straight axis. This axis will be the future tree trunk.

After planting, the plant will begin to sprout from several buds. Our mission is to select the most vigorous and vertical shoot, usually the highest one, and remove all others. This is known as “disbudding” or “desuckering.” This operation should be done when lateral shoots are still tender and can be easily removed by hand. 🤏

This disbudding will have to be repeated several times during spring and summer, every 15-20 days. Every time a lateral shoot appears on the trunk, we must remove it. Thus, we ensure that all sap and plant energy concentrate on making the main axis grow in height.

The goal is that by the end of the first year, we have achieved an axis reaching a height of at least 1.30-1.50 meters. This height will allow us, in the second year, to perform the training cut (or “heading back”) at the desired height (normally between 1 and 1.20 meters) to form the tree crotch, from where future main branches will emerge.

Along with disbudding, staking is fundamental. Each young pistachio tree must have a stake (a bamboo cane or steel rod about 8-10 mm in diameter and 1.80-2.00 m high) driven next to it. As the main axis grows, we will tie it to the stake with anchor rubbers or specific ties, without strangling it. Staking guarantees that the trunk grows perfectly straight, which will greatly facilitate mechanized tasks in the future, such as harvesting with a vibrator.

Weed control: Unfair competition

Weeds are the main enemy of young pistachio trees during the first year. They compete directly for water, nutrients, and light, and can choke the plant if not properly controlled.

There are several methods to keep weeds at bay:

• Mechanical control: Consists of tilling the row between tree lines and performing manual weeding or with light machinery (string trimmer) in the planting line. It is an effective and environmentally friendly method, but requires quite a bit of labor.

• Mulching: Covering the planting line with weed control fabric or organic materials (straw, pine bark) is an excellent solution. It prevents weed growth, conserves soil moisture, and maintains a more stable temperature in the root zone. It is an initial investment that pays off quickly in water and labor savings.

• Chemical control: Using herbicides is another option. They must be used with extreme caution during the first year. The pistachio trunk is still very tender and green, and direct contact with herbicide could cause serious damage or even death. If this method is chosen, it is imperative to use protective shields and apply products on windless days and at low doses. Always use herbicides authorized for the crop.

Our recommendation is to combine methods. Good mulching in the planting line and mechanical control in the rows is usually the most sustainable and safe strategy for young trees.

Pests and diseases: Monitor and prevent

Fortunately, the pistachio tree in its first year does not usually present serious phytosanitary problems. However, we cannot lower our guard. Constant vigilance is our best tool. 🕵️‍♂️

The most common pest in young plants is the aphid. It usually appears in spring, on the tenderest shoots. It causes leaf curling and growth slowdown. Normally, its presence is not serious and can be controlled by auxiliary fauna (ladybugs, lacewings). Only in case of very strong attacks would treatment with a specific insecticide be justified, always respectful of beneficial insects.

Another threat are soil insects (cutworms, wireworms) that can damage the plant collar or roots. Good soil management and avoiding excess moisture helps prevent their appearance.

Regarding diseases, the most fearsome is collar and root rot, caused by fungi such as Phytophthora or Armillaria. Its appearance is almost always linked to excess irrigation or poor soil drainage. That is why we insist so much on proper water management. Planting with the graft point above ground level and preventing irrigation water from directly wetting the trunk are also key preventive measures.

In summary, the phytosanitary strategy in the first year is based on:

1. Prevention: Proper irrigation and soil management.

2. Surveillance: Periodic plant reviews to detect any anomaly in time.

3. Action: Only intervene with phytosanitary treatments when strictly necessary and using authorized and low-impact products.

Protection against animals: Unwanted guests

Rabbits and hares can be a real nightmare for a young pistachio plantation. 🐇 They love gnawing tender trunk bark, especially in winter. A single rabbit can destroy dozens of trees in one night, girdling them and causing their death.

The only 100% effective solution is installing individual protectors on each tree. These are plastic tubes or meshes about 40-60 cm high placed around the trunk. It is an essential task that must be done immediately after planting. It is a small investment that can save your plantation.

In areas with high rabbit density or presence of roe deer, perimeter fencing of the entire plot may even be necessary. It is a significant initial cost, but guarantees peace of mind and project viability.

A year of care for a lifetime of profitability

As we have seen, the first year of a pistachio plantation is a period of intense and meticulous work. Each of the tasks we have described –from soil preparation to protection against rabbits– is a link in a chain that will forge the future success of your operation.

At Agro Vivero del Mediterráneo, we not only dedicate ourselves to producing the best pistachio plant, but we commit to our clients to accompany them on this exciting journey. We understand that each farm is a world and that each farmer has their own circumstances. That is why our technical advice is always personalized and close.

We know that the initial investment in a pistachio plantation is considerable, but we also know that profitability in the medium and long term is one of the most attractive in the current agricultural landscape. Caring for your trees with care during this first year is the best way to ensure and accelerate the return on that investment.

If you are thinking of starting your own pistachio project or if you have already taken the step and need expert advice, do not hesitate. We invite you to contact us. You can also request a quote without obligation through our booking and quote form. Our team of experts at Agro Vivero del Mediterráneo will be happy to study your case and offer solutions best suited to your needs.

The path to the first harvest of your precious nuts begins now, with the care and dedication you put into this first and crucial year. Much encouragement and happy farming! 💪🌱