The ideal forest for truffles
In the fall of 2020, Cindy and Denis purchased a plot of forest measuring nearly two hectares, which seemed to be the ideal environment for the Appalachian truffle. Filled with hope and possibilities, they decided to embark on the adventure of truffle cultivation, an industry in booming in Quebec.
Preparation for planting the truffle orchard
In summer 2021, Cindy and Denis confirmed the truffle potential of their forest and began preparing the forest for the establishment of the truffle orchard in spring 2022 in collaboration with Truffles Quebec. They have the desire to produce a truffle in a environment under forest cover* by getting as close as possible to the natural ecosystem of the Appalachian truffle. In just a few months, they accomplished a real feat by creating a magnificent high-density truffle field of 1.5 hectares. They carefully planted nearly 1,650 truffle trees, 50 mycorrhizal American hazelnut trees white truffle, as well as a mixture of mycorrhizal red oaks, bur oaks and Norway spruce Appalachian truffle .The challenges of high-density truffle farming
Cindy and Denis chose a different approach when planting their truffle trees. Unlike a traditional plantation, they opted for a random arrangement* , without spacing or rows, to create a more natural forest visual when mature. Although the density of 1.5 hectares for 1,650 trees is very high, their goal is to counter competition from other fungi in the soil by overpopulating with mycorrhizal trees. The couple is aware of the risks associated with this type of planting. They decided to take this risk because of their desire to produce truffles in a forest canopy environment. That said, they are aware that some people might criticize their choice. Despite the risks, their truffle farm is now ready to produce truffles of exceptional quality, thanks to their careful and innovative approach.
*This technique increases the chances that the mycorrhizal root of one truffle tree will "contaminate" the bare root of another tree, while decreasing the chances that a root mycorrhized by another fungus will contaminate their truffle trees.
Biodynamic practices for a sustainable truffle grove
Couple Cindy and Denis seek to take a holistic approach to managing their truffle orchard, taking into account the interactions between the different elements of their environment. Their biodynamic approach includes installing nest boxes to control voles and encouraging the presence of wild turkeys to fertilize the soil and control harmful insects. They also plan to install a barrier of endomycorrhizal fruit trees to protect their truffle orchard from external contamination.
Although they have no plans to obtain biodynamic certification, their environmentally friendly and biodiversity-friendly approach demonstrates their commitment to sustainable truffle production.
A project of passion for nature and gastronomy
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