Key Field Management Techniques for Fig Cultivation

(1) Intertillage and weed control: In young orchards, intertillage and weed control should be carried out once each in spring, summer and winter, and winter intertillage should be combined with earthing up to prevent freezing. In mature orchards, intertillage should be done during the dormant period, and in summer the ground should be covered with grass, which can both suppress weed growth and prevent drought and preserve soil moisture. If weeds still grow, they can be mowed, and the grass can be spread over the root zone; in winter, suitable crops can be chosen for intercropping. In areas with cold winter climates, attention should be paid to freeze protection; for example, in Xinjiang, every winter the branches are pressed to one side or all around, covered with grass, and then earthed over, so they can overwinter safely.

(2) Fertilization: According to relevant reports, a mature orchard requires about 8-10 kg of nitrogen, 5-8 kg of phosphorus and 8-10 kg of potassium per mu. The type of fertilizer is not restricted, but farmyard manure, compost, human excrement and urine, plant ash and other farm manures should be used mainly. Base fertilizer should be applied during the dormant period; 2/3 of the total nitrogen, 1/2 of the total potassium and all of the phosphorus can be applied, and the remaining nitrogen and potassium can be applied in June-July. The growth and extension of fig branches and the fruit harvest period are both very long, so the fertilizer effect of nitrogen and potassium should be extended accordingly and must not be interrupted. On ordinary soil, if 50-75 kg of lime can be applied per mu, the effect will be even better. In mature orchards, it is best to apply fertilizer over the whole area, and liquid fertilizer can be used for topdressing.

(3) Irrigation and drainage: When cultivated on heavy clay soil, the root mass is mostly distributed in the surface layer, and if the climate is hot and dry, it is prone to drought damage. At this time, water should be applied promptly to keep the soil moist. In fields without intercropping, the bed surface should be covered with grass in summer, which helps lower soil temperature, maintain soil moisture and protect the fibrous roots distributed on the surface, and can also increase soil organic matter and improve soil fertility. When cultivated in low-lying areas or when there is excessive rainfall, the field is prone to water accumulation, so drainage ditches should be well opened, the groundwater level should be lowered, and standing water should be removed promptly.

(4) Pruning and training: In order to control tree shape and increase the fruit-setting rate, appropriate pruning should be carried out every year during the winter dormant period. The specific methods are:

① Pruning of main branches and secondary main branches. In order to form a natural open-center canopy, the 3 main branches produced by young trees should be cut back to about 60 cm, leaving 1 bud at the cut end on the outer side so that it continues to extend in the same direction. The extension shoots should be moderately cut back in winter, and the length retained should be longer than that of the secondary main branches retained below them, so that the subordinate relationship is easy to maintain. Secondary main branches should not arise on the upper side of the main branches. They should preferably arise from their sides. If necessary, they may also arise from their underside. When the tree shape is complete and the main branches have stopped extending, the extension shoots of the secondary main branches should be cut back each year leaving 2-3 buds.