Spring Fruit Tree Watering Time: When Is It More Scientific to Water

AbstractAfter the beginning of spring, water the fruit trees before bud break in combination with fertilization, then water during the rapid shoot growth period, which is the critical period for water demand. In actual production, whether fruit trees need watering is generally determined by soil moisture conditions and drought conditions. During this period, the suitable soil water-holding capacity of the orchard is 60%-80%. When watering, the water should infiltrate 30-50 cm into the soil. Do not flood irrigate, to prevent excessive new shoot growth and adverse effects on flower bud differentiation.

I. Spring Fruit Tree Watering Time

1. After the beginning of spring, water before the fruit trees bud break in combination with fertilization. There is relatively little rainfall during this period, which is conducive to the absorption and utilization of fertilizer, promotes budding, flowering, and fruiting, and can also reduce the harm of late frost.

2. Then water during the rapid new shoot growth period. This is the critical period for water demand. Generally, in actual production, whether fruit trees need watering is mainly determined by soil moisture conditions and drought conditions. During this period, the suitable soil water-holding capacity of the orchard is 60%-80%.

3. An intuitive way to judge is to take soil from a depth of 20 cm; the standard is that it can be squeezed into a ball in the hand and crumbles when dropped. Generally, if this level of moisture can be maintained, it indicates that the soil moisture condition is good, and watering is not needed at this time. When watering, it is advisable for the water to infiltrate 30-50 cm into the soil. Do not flood irrigate, to avoid causing excessive new shoot growth and affecting flower bud differentiation.

II. Fruit Tree Watering Methods

1. Tree basin watering: Build soil ridges around the tree basin to make watering within the basin convenient. This method uses water relatively economically, but it easily causes compaction within the basin and can easily lower the temperature in early spring, so the soil needs to be loosened promptly after watering.

2. Zoned watering: Divide several trees into one small zone. In this way, the watering area is large, root absorption is relatively uniform, and it is suitable for orchards with sufficient water sources and flat terrain.

3. Furrow watering: In places where water sources are relatively difficult, methods such as ring-shaped furrows, square furrows, and straight furrows opened around the outer edge of the canopy can generally be adopted. First open the furrows, then water. Watering and fertilizing should be done in the same position. This way, the watering amount is relatively large, more water-absorbing roots are reached, and the effect is better.

III. Timing of Pesticide Application on Fruit Trees

1. Before flowering

(1) Before fruit trees flower, apply an appropriate amount of fruit-setting agent, which helps increase the fruit-setting rate, increases fruit tree yield, and reduces the fruit drop rate. Growth regulators can be used as the type of agent, which helps promote fruit growth; the main ones include naphthaleneacetic acid and gibberellin.

(2) The concentration used must not be too high. In addition to using growth regulators, an appropriate amount of trace elements should also be supplemented, among which boron is the main one, which helps promote pollen germination and helps fruit trees complete fertilization. During this period, it can be mixed with sugar for use.

2. After flower drop

(1) Within 7-10 days after the flowers wither, apply 1 treatment of pesticide to prevent pests and diseases, which helps reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. The specific type of pesticide to use needs to be determined according to the type of fruit tree.

(2) The choices are relatively broad; for example, lime sulfur mixture and similar agents have relatively good control effects and are also relatively affordable.

3. Fruit expansion period

Generally, during the fruit expansion period, spray 1 application of Zhuangguodiling, which helps thicken the fruit stalk, increases the amount of nutrient transport, avoids deformed fruit, and reduces fruit drop.