Pecans can begin
bearing lightly at four years, with commercial production in eight years. Nut production continues
to increase until 20 years of age. A
mature pecan orchard can
yield from 1,200 (544.310844 kg) to 2,000 (907.1847 kg) pounds of
nuts per acre.
They prefer well-drained, sandy loam soils but can adapt to various soil types
as long as drainage is good.
Avoid heavy clay soils and areas prone to flooding.
Planting :
Pecans are typically grown from grafted nursery trees rather than seeds to
ensure quality and consistency.
Space trees about 30-40 feet apart. Pecans are large trees and need room to
spread out.
Plant in late winter or early spring when the soil is workable.
Pollination :
Pecans are wind-pollinated and need at least two different varieties for
cross-pollination.
Planting multiple varieties can increase nut yield and quality.
Care and
Maintenance : Regular watering is essential, especially
during dry periods. However, avoid waterlogging.
Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
Pruning : is
important for shaping the tree and removing dead or diseased wood.
Pest and Disease Management : Common pests include pecan weevils and aphids.
Integrated pest management strategies can help control these.
Diseases like pecan scab can be managed through proper fungicide applications
and maintaining tree health.
Here are some tips for spraying
pecan trees
Dormant
oil : Spray
in mid-January to control phylloxera and obscure scale, and again in late
February before buds break. In November and December, you can use 97% dormant
oil to control phylloxera, obscure scale insects, and January or February scale
insects.
Insecticides : Spray
in March or when leaves are half-grown, and repeat in late April and May. You
can also spray for walnut caterpillars and fall webworms after harvest.
Fungicides : You
can use Benelate 50WP or BENOMYL, or zinc sulfate. You can also spray with
phosphite in mid-late April and mid-to-late May, or with an 11+3 mix in
early-mid June.
Pollination : Spray
with zinc sulfate and Bonide Fruit Tree spray three to four weeks after late
budbreak, which is usually in early May.
Mid-season : Spray
with Bonide Fruit Tree Spray again in mid-late June.
Water stage : Spray
with Bonide Fruit Tree Spray or Fung-Onil in mid-late July to prevent pecan
scab.
Half-shell
hardening : Spray with Bonide Fruit Tree Spray in mid-late August to control
Hickory Shuckworm and late scab.
You can also spray young trees
every two weeks from budbreak in early April until August 1, and older trees
every two weeks until June 1.
Harvesting : Pecans are harvested in the fall
when the outer husk splits open and the nuts fall to the ground.
Use mechanical shakers for large orchards and hand-pick for smaller operations.
Profitability
Initial Costs :
Start-up costs can be high due to purchasing nursery trees, planting, and
initial maintenance.
It typically takes 4-6 years before trees start producing nuts and up to 10
years to reach full production.
Yield and
Revenue :
Mature pecan trees can produce 50-150 pounds of nuts per year.
Average yields range from
Average yields range from 1,200
(544.310844 kg) to 2,000 (907.1847 kg) pounds per acre annually, but this
can vary based on variety, soil, and management practices.
Prices for pecans fluctuate, but they often range from $2-$5 per pound for
in-shell nuts, and higher for shelled nuts.
Market and Sales : Pecans can be sold in various markets,
including local farmers' markets, grocery stores, and wholesale.
Value-added products like pecan pie or pecan butter can also be profitable.
Long-Term Investment : Pecans are a long-term investment with potential for
steady returns once mature.
Trees can live and produce nuts for 50 years or more, providing long-term
income.
Overall, while the initial investment and waiting period can be significant,
successful pecan cultivation can be very profitable, especially with careful
management and a good market strategy.
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