AGRICULTURAL
FARMING REQUIREMENTS
Climate requirements: The pecan nut tree is
well adapted to subtropical areas. Low tem-
peratures and even frost during June to August
are required for successful budding and flower
formation. The average monthly minimum tem-
perature during the summer must rise above
16°C, but drop below 8°C in winter.
Humidity and rainfall: High humidity and rain-
fall are ideal.
Soil requirements: The pecan nut tree per-
forms best in a fertile, well-drained, deep soil
with a loose to medium texture.
Cultivars: To produce pecan nuts successfully
and profitably, it is essential to plant cultivars of
high standards with regards to adaptability to
an area, disease tolerance, production, kernel
percentage, nut size and shape, appearance
and taste of the kernels.
Soil preparation: The soil should be at least
2 m deep. If the soil is very acid, heavy lime
applications may be necessary.
Harvesting: Depending on the area, pecan
nuts usually ripen from April to July. As soon as
the nut is physiologically ripe, the green husk
becomes dry, cracks open and the nut drops
out.
Irrigation: Rainfall in South Africa is often insuf-
ficient and does not satisfy the water require-
ments of pecan nut trees for optimal production.
Additional irrigation is usually necessary during
the critical growth stage.
SENWES SCENARIO | SUMMER 2018
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