Environmental conditions and cultivation
The Sarnese-Nocerino area is characterized by volcanic soils, deep and fertile with high organic matter and minerals. Hydrology is rich, with groundwater and irrigation mainly from wells. The climate benefits from the Mediterranean Sea, with mild winters, rare hail, abundant rainfall in autumn/winter/spring, and hot but humid summers. Transplanting usually takes place in April-May.
Landform
From a morphological perspective, the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino area extends across the Sarno plain, which is mostly covered by volcanic pyroclastic material. From a strictly pedological perspective, however, the soils of the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino are very deep and soft, with a good organic matter content and a high amount of assimilable phosphorus and exchangeable potassium.
The area’s hydrology is very rich due to the presence of numerous springs and abundant aquifers at various depths. Irrigation water is generally drawn from wells that draw directly from the groundwater table.
The Climate
Regarding the climate, the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino benefits from the beneficial influence of the sea. Temperature variations are not significant, and when the thermometer drops below zero, it does not remain there for long; hail is a rather rare meteor. The dominant winds are the Maestro from the North and the Sirocco from the South. Rainfall is abundant in autumn, winter, and spring; scarce or almost nonexistent in summer. Although rainfall is lacking in the summer months, relative humidity remains quite high. Transplanting is usually carried out in the first half of April, but can continue until the first ten days of May.
Cultivation methods
The planting spacing must be at least 40 cm along the row and 110 cm between rows; the only possible form of cultivation is vertical with suitable supports and horizontal wires. In addition to normal cultivation practices, both suckering and pruning are permitted. Cultivation is permitted in protected environments to protect the crops from pests and harmful insects.
Any forcing practices that tend to alter the natural biological cycle of the tomato, particularly during ripening, are prohibited.
The collection
The fruit is harvested between July 30th and September 30th and must be done exclusively by hand, in a staggered manner, when they reach full ripeness and occurs in several batches. The harvested fruit must be arranged and transported in plastic containers with a capacity of 25 to 30 kg. For transport to the processing industry, the berries arriving at the company and/or collective collection center can subsequently be transferred into individually identified crates, in quantities not exceeding 2.5 quintals. The maximum yield is 80 tons per hectare.