An Alternative Sucker Management Method in Hazelnut: Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer Solution

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine the usability of nitrogen solution for hazelnut sucker management. This study was carried out from 2015 to 2016 at two hazelnut orchards; one established with the shrub (ocak) system in Atakum district and the other established with the multi-stemmed system in the Carsamba district, both in Samsun province. For sucker management, 21% ammonium sulphate (AS) and 26% calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizer solutions were used. Doses of 0, 10, 15 and 20% of solutions for both fertilizers were tested. In the study, hazelnut suckers were removed by knife in July 2015 and March 2016. Nitrogen solution applications were started in September 2015 when suckers reached 20-30 cm length. In 2016 four applications were made from April to August. Fifteen days after the applications, the wilting ratio (starting from the tip) and newly emerged suckers per bush were determined. Nitrate, pH, and EC analyses were made with soil samples collected at the beginning of the experiment and compared to those taken 15 days after each application. As a result, a 10% dose of 21% ammonium sulphate fertilizer gave the best results for hazelnut sucker management. Nitrogen solution application should be started 1 to 1.5 months after removal of suckers by cutting with a knife. Suckers should be removed when they reach 15-20 cm length and before they are lignified. For effective sucker management, nitrogen solution application should be applied at least three times in a year.