Pour alléger le suivi des plantations : le mélange avec des essences secondaires

Research on how to enhance conditions for successful walnut plantations led to setting up experimental plots to compare conventional practices as single species, very low density planting with other methods where walnut is combined with shrubs or trees, or a combination of both. The outcome of this woody accompaniment is in most cases greater height growth and better tree shape. The effect on diameter can be positive, neutral or negative. Providing some precautions as to distances between species, this should allow for less upkeep and pruning as well as postponing the need for the first thinning until a “firewood” stage. Alternating rows of the main species with rows of rapid early growth species may be a valuable solution for achieving a mixed stand.