"Over the past 3 years, we planted over 2,800 hectares of hazelnut groves not only on the domestic territory (Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria in particular), but mostly in various European countries such as Spain, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldavia, Macedonia and Albania," reports Vittorio Lopez, administrator at Azienda agricola Stelo, a company based in Viterbo specializing in plant multiplication and grove setup.
"We have been doing this for over 50 years and we work with three hazelnut varieties - Tonda Gentile Romana, Tonda di Giffoni and Nocchione. Plants have an EC passport and a high rooting percentage, and they are all multiplied by our nurseries. What sets us apart is the capability of taking care of all phases of hazelnut grove production, from the sale of plants to assistance for grove management."
"After a first phase of soil assessment, which includes an analysis of the chemical-physical characteristics of the water and soil and a verification of geographic data to assess the feasibility of a grove on a specific soil, the variety and layout is chosen. Afterwards, operations continue in the summer months with the preparation of the soil using specific mechanical equipment. The first intervention is tilling with a ripper to a depth of 80-100 cm to favor water drainage and avoid stagnation, followed by the loosening of the first layer of the soil."
"Between November and March, during the vegetative rest phase, we plant the plantlets using technological machinery that ensures the maximum precision and hastens operations. The most common layout is 4.5x4m, with approximately 600 plants per hectare. Once the grove is complete, producers can request the help of our team of agronomists for the growth and development of the plants, obtaining advice on correct pruning, fertigation or grove management in general. We have set aside all other species to focus on one single product - hazelnuts."
For further information
Azienda Agricola Stelo
Viale della Carrozza, 2
01019 Vetralla (Viterbo)
+39 338 490 0656 - 3358341381
lopez.vittorio@stelonocciolo.com
amministrazione@stelonocciolo.com
stelonocciolo.com