Hazelnut: 4 steps to improve production

Environmental stress, fruit drop (exacerbated by the hazelnut bug), and alternate bearing are significant challenges in hazelnut cultivation.

Often, the solution to these problems lies in the details of agronomic practices, as demonstrated by the story of Mr. Luigi Serafini, a farmer from Caprarola, in the province of Viterbo (Italy).

Here’s the nutrition program that brought his orchard back on track.

Hazelnut, an excellence worth caring for

Thanks to its hardiness, hazelnut cultivation has spread across various areas of Italy: from the Langhe region of Piedmont to the heights of the Monti Picentini in Campania, passing through the Monti Cimini in Viterbo and the hills of Romagna.

These areas produce prized nuts like the Tonda Gentile, Tonda di Giffoni, and Nocciola Romana.

Although generally considered a resistant and easy-to-manage plant, producing high-quality hazelnuts that meet industry standards and achieving good yields often proves to be a complex challenge.

The problem: a stalled and unproductive hazelnut orchard

In September 2022, Mr. Serafini, the owner of 20 hectares of hazelnut trees, faced a critical situation.

A 3-hectare plot near Lake Vico was producing only 500 kg of hazelnuts per hectare—a yield unsustainable for any farmer.

Seeking a solution, Mr. Serafini turned to Claudio Montesi, Biolchim’s Regional Manager for Central Italy.

The expert agronomist identified that the primary issue was incorrect and insufficient nutrition, outlining an intervention plan to support the plants and their production.

Key issues identified

An analysis of the agronomic practices revealed three fundamental deficiencies:

• Lack of organic matter: The soil had not received organic inputs for years, an essential element for ensuring fertility and proper plant development.
• Insufficient NPK quantities: The amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied were too low to meet the crop’s production needs.
• Lack of post-harvest and pre-flowering nutrition: Treating hazelnut plants after harvest prepares them for the next flowering; additionally, feeding developing young flowers is crucial.

The solution: complete and targeted nutrition for hazelnuts

The custom-designed nutrition program aimed to restore the trees’ productivity and support their vegetative cycle during critical moments. The adopted strategy included:

• 1. Organic matter application in late winter: Application of an high quality pelletized organic fertilizer, to improve soil structure, restore nitrogen supply, and energize hazelnut plant development.
• 2. Balanced NPK fertilization: Application of 150 units of nitrogen (N), 75 units of phosphorus (P), and 150 units of potassium (K) per hectare to support plant growth and productivity.
• 3. Post-harvest foliar treatments: Treatments with FOLICIST^® and NUTRI-GEMMA B-Zn™ immediately after harvest to promote proper maturation and subsequent differentiation of flower buds, preparing the plants for the next season.
• 4. Support for male and female flowers: Foliar treatments with FOLICIST^® and CREMALGA^® (4–6 applications as needed) in the early months to support the development of male and female flowers with energy substances, enhancing resilience against harsh winter temperatures and spring rains.

The results: a radical productivity shift

The results were swift. By 2023, production had drastically increased from 500 kg/ha to 3,000 kg/ha.

Even in 2024, despite excessive rains during harvest causing fruit rot on the ground, yields remained high at 2,850 kg/ha.

Today, this nutritional technique is applied across all 20 hectares of the farm.

The key to success

Thanks to a targeted nutritional strategy and the use of Biolchim biostimulants and fertilizers, an unproductive hazelnut orchard was transformed into a success story.

This outcome demonstrates the importance of relying on expert partners and adopting innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture.

If you also want to achieve tangible results and improve your crop performance, the Biolchim team is ready to provide full support, both in the field and at every stage of the production cycle.