March Hazelnut Care Guide

Main Theme: First Nitrogen Fertilizer & Final Pruning

March is a critical month in the hazelnut orchard as spring begins and the intensive care period opens. Buds start to swell, the soil awakens, and many tasks overlap. This month, first nitrogen fertilization, the last pruning opportunity, pest monitoring, and sapling planting must all be carried out together.

Final Pruning Opportunity

The first half of March is the last period for pruning hazelnut trees. Once buds burst and shoot growth begins, pruning should no longer be performed. Therefore, completing pruning work by early March is of great importance.

Pruning Checklist

• Finish any pruning work left incomplete from January-February
• Cut dry, broken, and diseased branches
• Remove root suckers at the base
• Apply wound sealant to cut surfaces
• Stop pruning entirely after mid-March

First Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

March is the time to apply the first nitrogen fertilizer to hazelnut trees. Nitrogen is needed to support bud swelling and shoot growth. Nitrogen fertilizer is generally divided into two equal portions: the first half in March, the second half in May.

When and How Much?

• Timing: Mid-March (around March 15, when the soil thaws)
• Amount: 20-24 kg pure nitrogen per dekar (annual total)
• First application: Half of the annual amount in March, the other half in late May
• Application area: Spread in a 30-40 cm wide ring under the branch drip line, 50-60 cm away from the trunk
• Incorporation: Mix into the soil at 5-10 cm depth by hoeing

Fertilizer Type Selection

Fertilizer	N Content	First Application (March)	Characteristics
Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) (26% N)	~650 g per bush	Best suited for Black Sea acidic soils
Urea (46% N)	~375 g per bush	Less quantity needed, suitable for neutral soils

Pest Monitoring

As temperatures begin to rise in March, pests also become active. Early monitoring and intervention greatly reduce summer damage.

Shoot Moth

The hazelnut shoot moth is one of the most active pests during the bud swelling period. Larvae enter the buds and cause damage, preventing shoot development.

• Monitoring: Check buds for drilling and drying symptoms
• Spray timing: When buds swell but before they burst
• Control: Apply licensed insecticide

Gall Midge (Hazelnut Gall Midge)

The hazelnut gall midge emerges from the soil in late March to early April and lays eggs on leaves. It causes damage by forming galls (swellings) on the leaves.

• Monitoring: Track emergence from soil in late March
• Symptoms: Small blister-like swellings on leaves
• Control: Apply licensed pesticide during adult emergence period

Leaf Roller

Leaf roller pests begin activity on spring shoots. They should be monitored from late March onward.

• Watch for leaf curling and perforation symptoms
• Spraying may be needed in cases of heavy infestation
• Consult the agricultural directorate at first signs

Sapling Planting

March is the last suitable time for planting hazelnut saplings. Planting can be done when the soil has thawed and frost risk has decreased. Planting after mid-March is not recommended, as saplings must establish roots before beginning to produce shoots.

• Hole size: 50×50×50 cm (should have been prepared in autumn)
• Spacing: 5-6 m between rows, 3-4 m within rows
• Sapling selection: Choose healthy, 1-2 year old, certified saplings
• After planting: Water generously and apply protective mulch
• Wind protection: Use support stakes in wind-exposed areas

Important Considerations

📚 FISKOBIRLIK 📚 Gursoy 📚 Giresun Chamber of Agriculture