There are many business considerations when running a pecan orchard, which can be especially difficult when dealing with limited land, floor management systems, and herbicide options. Inter-cropping and livestock grazing are a couple of standard pecan floor management strategies; the Horticulture Tree Fruit Program is in favor of the vegetation-free strip method for pecan orchard-floor management. The vegetation-free strip is frequently established and maintained with herbicides, with the grass sod minimizing soil erosion, soil aeration, and permeability. Further minimizing tree damage or loss from voles during the dormant season.
It is vital to always read manufacturer labels and properly calibrate sprayer equipment before herbicidal application. There are several registered pecan herbicides with pre-emergence and post-emergence as the most common. Pre-emergence control of weed seeds prior to germination and post-emergence control of existing weeds. Rotating herbicides often to prevent weed resistance. Orchards must be scouted monthly to determine present weed species and early detection of difficult-to-control weeds.
NC State Extension's comprehensive resource for fruit trees includes a series of publications, videos, and external resources on home and commercial fruit tree production in the southeastern U.S.
Pecan Resources
- Growing Pecans in North Carolina
- Managing Pests and Diseases
- Commercial Pecan Spray Guide
- Some Common Pecan Diseases and Their Control in North Carolina
- Crop Profile for Pecans in North Carolina
- Planting Pecan Trees
- Pruning Pecan Trees
- Successfully Growing Pecans in North Carolina
- Commercial Tree Fruits Information Leaflets
