How to plant navel orange saplings? Detailed explanation of planting methods and technical key points

SummarySelect high-quality and pure saplings. Generally, field-propagated saplings are mostly planted from late February to March and from late September to October; temporary-planted saplings are planted from mid-to-late May to early June. In flat terrain with deep and fertile soil, the planting density is best controlled at about 55 plants per mu; in areas with low rainfall, the planting density is best controlled at about 66 plants per mu. Before planting, prune the saplings appropriately. After planting, water an appropriate amount and apply a small amount of fertilizer according to the situation.

1. Selection of navel orange saplings

Choose navel orange saplings with pure varieties, robust and well-developed aboveground branches, and dark green, glossy leaves. The sapling height is best above 35cm, and it should also have 3 branches. The root system is required to be well developed, with the main root length above 15cm, many fibrous roots, and few broken roots.

Check whether the saplings have quarantine pests and diseases or other pests and diseases. It is best to choose navel orange saplings propagated by yourself or purchased nearby. When lifting the saplings, be careful to avoid damaging the root system. After lifting, they should be planted immediately. It is best to plant virus-free seedlings, container seedlings, or large seedlings that have undergone temporary planting.

2. Time for transplanting navel oranges

Determine the transplanting time for navel oranges according to their growth characteristics and local climatic conditions. Generally, choose to plant after the new shoots have matured and before the next new shoots sprout.

1. Cultivation time for field-propagated saplings

Planting can be done in both spring and autumn. Spring planting is mostly carried out from late February to March. At this time, spring shoots turn green, temperatures gradually rise, and rainfall is also relatively abundant. The survival rate of navel orange saplings is high, and it can also save the work of irrigation for autumn planting. Autumn planting is mostly carried out from late September to October after the autumn shoots have matured. At this time, the temperature is still relatively high and the ground temperature is suitable. As long as there is sufficient water in the soil, the wounds on the sapling roots will heal quickly after planting, and 1 round of new roots can also grow, which is beneficial for the normal sprouting of spring shoots the following year.

2. Planting time for temporary-planted saplings

Except for the dry summer and autumn seasons, when insufficient rain and inadequate water sources will affect the survival rate of the saplings, planting at other times is possible. After the spring shoots mature, mid-to-late May to early-to-mid June is the best time for planting.

3. Density for planting navel oranges

When planting in flat terrain with deep soil and relatively high fertility, a warm climate, and convenient management, the density should be as sparse as possible. In a good environment, individual navel orange saplings will grow relatively vigorously, and the plants are prone to rapid canopy closure, which will affect fruit quality.

The spacing between plants and rows is best controlled at 3×4m, and the planting density is best controlled at about 55 plants per mu. In mountainous areas, river beach land, and areas with poor fertility and dry, rain-scarce conditions, the planting density can be appropriately denser, with plant-row spacing controlled at about 2.5×4m, and the density is best controlled at about 66 plants per mu.

4. Planting methods for navel oranges

1. Planting method for field saplings

Before transplanting navel oranges, first remove the film, trim the root system and branches and shoots, make smooth cuts on injured thick roots, and cut off dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and poorly developed autumn shoots.

When planting, to promote rooting, dip the roots of the saplings in a thin yellow mud slurry. The concentration of the slurry is best when dipping a hand into the slurry leaves no fingerprints but leaves a handprint. Add an appropriate amount of crushed small cow dung and 600 times diluted 1.8% sodium nitrophenolate aqueous solution + 500 times diluted 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder to the slurry and stir evenly.

Note that the slurry concentration must not be too thick, so as to avoid causing root rot. If there is too much pesticide in the slurry, it will cause the saplings to die. When planting, it is best for 2 people to operate together. Place the sapling upright in the planting hole to ensure the roots are straight, so that the new root group can extend naturally at an angle. Then fill with crushed soil. While burying the soil, tread it evenly and firmly, then gently shake the sapling and lift it upward a little, so that the roots and soil fit closely together, and then continue adding soil to fill it level.

Cover the area around the sapling with a layer of fine soil. Note that the soil must not be higher than the graft union. Also make a tree basin. After making the tree basin, water it sufficiently. After the water seeps down, cover it with a layer of loose soil to keep the soil moist.

When planting, ensure the sapling is upright, the root system is spread out, the soil is firm, and there is sufficient water. Also avoid the roots directly contacting fertilizer to prevent fertilizer fermentation from damaging the root system. After planting, cover the tree basin with some rice straw or weeds.

2. Planting method for nutrient cup seedlings

Before planting navel oranges, first dig a planting hole at the position where the sapling is to be planted, place the nutrient cup seedling in the center of the hole, remove the plastic bag of the nutrient cup, then fill around the nutrient basket with fertile soil, and then tread lightly. Next, use cultivated soil to make a tree basin with a diameter of about 1 meter, water sufficiently for establishment, and the height of the cultivated soil is best when the root crown can be exposed above the ground. Cover the tree basin with rice straw to prevent weed growth and ensure the soil is loose