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The Ultimate Guide to Growing Macca Trees in Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Technique

Macadamia nuts are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a wide range of essential nutrients that offer an array of health benefits. But where do these wondrous nuts come from? Join us as we delve into the origins of the macadamia tree and explore the regions in Vietnam where it thrives. Uncover the secrets of its cultivation and learn the intricate techniques required to grow these delicious and healthy treats.

Administrator

7 August, 2024

The process of growing macadamia trees is not overly complicated, but it does require a thorough understanding of their growth characteristics, varieties, and techniques. With this knowledge, the planting process will become much smoother. So, let’s begin our exploration.

1Where is the macadamia tree grown in Vietnam?

Macadamia trees are commonly grown in Lam Dong and Dak Lak

Macadamia is a tree that was introduced to Vietnam from Australia. After its introduction, the tree was first experimentally grown in Ba Vi, Hanoi. Following the trials, macadamia trees are now commonly grown in Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and other provinces.

Macadamia trees have a commercial lifespan of about 40-60 years. They have poorly developed taproots, wide-spreading crowns, and shallow roots, making them less resistant to strong winds and storms.

2Guidelines for planting macadamia trees

Growth characteristics

Growth characteristics of macadamia trees

To grow macadamia trees successfully, the first step is to determine whether the local conditions are suitable for their growth. This will make the planting and care process much easier.

Temperature: Macadamia trees tolerate cold relatively well, with an average temperature range of 15-30°C. The ideal temperature for their growth is 20-25°C.
Rainfall: An annual rainfall of 1,600-2,500 mm is ideal for their growth.
Altitude: Macadamia trees thrive at altitudes of 10-1,200 meters above sea level and are particularly well-suited to areas with less monsoon winds, salt spray, and mist.

Soil: Macadamia trees prefer deep, well-drained soils with a thickness of more than 50 cm. The soil should have a light mechanical composition, good drainage, and be rich in organic matter, with a pH between 4 and 6.5.

Note: Avoid planting in sandy, waterlogged, or acidic soils.

Terrain: Plant in relatively flat areas with a slope of less than 200.
Light: Macadamia trees are sun-loving, so avoid planting them under the canopy of other trees.

Selecting grafted trees for propagation

Choose grafted trees that have been grafted for more than 6 months

Look for the following characteristics when selecting trees:

Grafts that have formed wood of 20 cm or more
Root collar diameter of 1.0-1.5 cm
Healthy, vigorous trees with no pests or diseases, green leaves, and normally developing leaf blades.

Planting methods and density

Macadamia trees can be grown as a monoculture or intercropped with other trees

Macadamia trees can be grown using two methods:

Monoculture: Planting density ranges from 205 trees/ha (with a spacing of 7×7 meters) to 278 trees/ha (6×6 meters)
Intercropping: With coffee and pepper, the density is 124 trees/ha (with a spacing of 9×9 meters), and with tea, it is 111 trees/ha (with a spacing of 15×6 meters).

Planting season

The planting season varies by region, with spring being the best time to plant in the northern regions and the onset of the rainy season being ideal for the southern regions.

Soil preparation, hole digging, and basal fertilizer application

Soil preparation for macadamia trees

Soil preparation: Clear the land of weeds to prevent pest and nutrient competition. Turn the soil with a hoe or cultivator, and for sloping areas, create terraces along contour lines with a width of 2-4 meters.
Hole digging: Dig holes about 1-1.5 months before planting with dimensions of 80x80x60 cm. Keep the topsoil layer separate to mix with basal fertilizer when refilling the holes.
Basal fertilizer application: Mix 50 kg of manure (or biofertilizer), 500 g of NPK fertilizer, and 300 g of lime powder with the topsoil and use it to refill the holes. Apply basal fertilizer at least 1.5 months before planting.

Planting macadamia trees

Planting process for macadamia trees

To achieve high yields, plant 4-5 different varieties of macadamia trees (avoid monoculture) per unit area, intercropping them to increase fruit set rates and reduce pests and crop failures.

First, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball, approximately 40 cm.

Next, cut the plastic around the root ball, place it in the hole, and position it upright. Then, backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently, and shape it like a turtle’s back, keeping it about 5 cm higher than the ground level to facilitate water drainage during rainfall.

Note: Perform these steps gently and carefully to avoid damaging the root ball.

To stabilize the tree and prevent it from tilting due to wind, drive three stakes, each 60-80 cm long, into the ground in a triangular pattern around the tree, about 40-50 cm away from the trunk. Bind the tops of the stakes together at a height corresponding to ⅔ of the tree’s height.

Cover the area around the tree with straw, straw, or grass to a depth of 4-5 cm and a width of about 1 meter to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

3Caring for macadamia trees

Caring for macadamia trees is extremely important

Proper care is crucial for the healthy growth and development of macadamia trees.

After planting, if there is no rain, irrigate the trees to keep the soil moist for at least 20 days to aid in the recovery and growth of new shoots.
In the following two months, water the trees once a week, with an appropriate amount of 10-15 liters per tree.
Other necessary tasks include loosening the soil, weeding, and removing scum within a radius of 0.8-1 meter around the tree. Perform these tasks twice a year and on a regular basis annually.

We hope that our insights into macadamia trees, along with the provided planting techniques, will enable you to cultivate these trees productively and achieve your desired outcomes. Thank you for reading.

Frequently asked questions

The optimal time to plant Macca trees in Vietnam is during the rainy season, specifically from May to July. This period provides ample rainfall, which is essential for the initial growth and establishment of the trees.

For the first two weeks after planting, water your Macca trees daily to ensure the soil is moist. After that, you can reduce the frequency to every other day for the next two weeks. Gradually decrease watering to twice a week for mature trees during the dry season.

Macca trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and has good water retention capabilities to provide the necessary nutrients for the trees’ growth.

Macca trees require full sun to partial shade. They grow best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily. However, in extremely hot regions, providing some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorching.

Macca trees prefer a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. They can tolerate higher temperatures but may struggle in colder regions. Protect them from strong winds and frost for optimal growth.

Fertilize your Macca trees every three months during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Apply the fertilizer evenly around the tree’s drip line and water it in well.

Macca trees typically take 3-4 years after planting to bear fruit. However, with proper care and favorable conditions, some trees may start producing small yields within the second or third year.

Regularly inspect your Macca trees for any signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include scale insects, mealybugs, and mites. Remove infected parts and treat the trees with neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.

Macca trees can be propagated through seed or vegetative methods like cuttings and air layering. Seed propagation is the most common method, but it may not produce trees true to the parent. Vegetative methods ensure the new tree is identical to the parent plant.

Pruning is not necessary for Macca trees, but it can be done to shape the tree or remove damaged branches. Prune during the dry season to minimize the risk of fungal infections. Make clean cuts and apply a sealant to larger wounds to prevent pest and disease issues.