The black winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) was originally found only in areas with a Mediterranean climate (France, Spain and Italy) although over the past 20 years, its cultivation has spread to areas outside Europe. There are now plantations in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, the United States, Morocco and other countries where black winter truffle did not grow naturally in the wild. Given this reality, it is advisable to consider the climate. Extreme climates—whether too cold or too hot—are not recommended; neither is scarce or irregularly distributed rainfall. There are people who consider climate only in terms of rainfall in the area. They believe that providing water is enough. This is a mistake, as the temperatures—both air and soil—could determine the success of a Tuber melanosporum plantation, aside from rainfall and irrigation. Once you’ve determined whether you have the right climate conditions, in our opinion, it is essential to have enough water to meet crop water requirements. Don’t forget that truffle is a fungus and that if it doesn’t rain at the right time or if we don’t water the tree seedlings, there will be no production. Find out what the analysis parameters and the approximate ranges most suitable for truffle cultivation are. We recommend having the analysis done at a certified laboratory with a proven track record, because otherwise, the results will reveal little—or nothing—about what you’re trying to find out. You must understand that trufficulture is for all intents and purposes farming—as defined by the E.E.C.—in which forest species such as oaks and holm oaks are used. But tilling the soil, pruning and watering will be necessary. #2 TECHNICAL GUIDE – THE CLIMATE
The climate
A key aspect
We recommend having a climograph for the site or its surroundings to see both the distribution of rainfall and temperatures throughout the year. SPAIN AND FRANCE
Climographs
These are data obtained from different truffle-growing areas in Spain and France in 2019.
#1 TECHNICAL GUIDE – THE SOIL
Do I have the right soil?
#3 TECHNICAL GUIDE – CARE
Preparing and caring
for the ground
