Pecan Tree Agroforestry in France

This technical sheet summarizes the 2023 French Pécain project findings on pecan (*Carya illinoensis*) cultivation in France, assessing its agroforestry potential. It details site selection, soil requirements (deep, well-drained loam, pH 6–8), and optimal spacing (8×6, 10×10, or 10×15 m). Key practices include deep subsoiling, North–South orientation, mounded planting, and 1.5 m grassed strips for erosion control. Irrigation is critical (3,500–4,000 m³/ha at 8×6 spacing), especially post-planting and from May to September. Pruning focuses on structural development (first three years), selecting four branches at 20 cm intervals, 1 m high, with 70–90° angles, to establish a central leader. Flowering occurs January–February; harvest begins October–November when 80% of hulls crack. Harvesting uses vibrators and inverted umbrellas (e.g., SICMA). Fertilization is based on soil and leaf analysis, with attention to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and nickel. The project evaluates integration into arable and livestock systems, with support from FEADER and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.