EVALUATION OF ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND PROSPECTS FOR GROWING HAZELNUTS IN ROMANIA

Romania is situated at the northern limit for growing hazelnuts in Europe. Romania's geographical location and variable topography affect the distribution of ecological factors in the country, and these in turn have a unique influence on the growth and yield of hazelnut trees. Low temperatures (-30 to –33 °C) during winter in the central and eastern parts of Transylvania and almost all of Moldova prohibit intensive culture of hazelnuts. Another limiting factor is the soil. In many areas of the country, the soils have a high clay content, are shallow and wet, and are thus not suitable for hazelnut growing, except for erosion control. The annual rainfall is sufficient (700-900 mm) and well-distributed in the southern and western sub-Carpathian areas. But rainfall is inadequate in the flat areas in the south of the country and in the Dobrogea region near the Black Sea and therefore irrigation would be required. The sub-Carpathian hills region (Oltenia, Muntenia, Banat and Maramures) and the Dobrogea region are considered most favorable for intensive culture of hazelnut, and consistent yields of 1500-2200 kg/ha can be expected.