When is the right time for winter irrigation of kiwifruit? The latest answer is here
Kiwifruit gradually enters dormancy in winter, and the tree's demand for nutrients is not very great. Therefore, winter fertilization work can be relaxed a bit appropriately, but attention should be paid to winter irrigation work. Reasonable winter irrigation can effectively help kiwifruit trees overwinter safely and ensure their production capacity the following year. So when is the right time for winter irrigation of kiwifruit trees? And how should winter irrigation be done? Below, the editor will briefly introduce it for everyone. Let's take a look together!
I. Winter irrigation time
When carrying out winter irrigation for kiwifruit, we must first determine the suitable winter irrigation time. Generally, it should be done during the period after the kiwifruit fruit is harvested until the soil freezes. However, it is best to do it when the average temperature of the soil layer at about 5 cm is around 5 degrees, as the effect of winter irrigation at this time is the best. But before winter irrigation, we should also pay attention to whether the kiwifruit trees need water. Generally, the maximum field water-holding capacity in kiwifruit orchards is about 70%. After entering dormancy, the water-holding capacity should be increased by about another 10% to ensure the kiwifruit trees overwinter safely. Therefore, if the soil water-holding capacity is insufficient, winter irrigation should be carried out promptly.
II. Winter irrigation methods
1. Well irrigation
Well irrigation is one of the main methods of winter irrigation for kiwifruit trees. However, the first requirement is to have a water well. For fruit growers with the conditions, well irrigation can be carried out. Before winter irrigation, water channels should be dug between the kiwifruit tree rows according to the plant and row spacing of the fruit trees. Then water is put into the channels to irrigate the soil thoroughly, prompting the fruit trees to absorb sufficient water, increasing the water content of the roots, and ensuring the fruit trees overwinter safely.
2. Root watering
During winter irrigation, the watering method will also differ depending on the age of the trees. For example, for kiwifruit trees within two years of age, winter irrigation should be carried out by the root watering method. First, soil should be used around the kiwifruit tree to build an earth ridge surrounding the tree basin. The height of the earth ridge should be kept at about 18 cm to avoid overflow and outward flow when watering, thereby preventing waste of water resources. This concentrates the water and prompts it to infiltrate as quickly as possible.
3. Trenching
For perennial fruit trees, a small trench should be dug at a distance of about 60 cm from the fruit trees. Then water is poured into the trench, allowing the water to slowly infiltrate to the roots so that the roots can absorb it. If it is not watered thoroughly the first time, then it should be watered again the next day. Then the trench should be filled with soil and tamped down to avoid air leakage causing frost injury to the roots. When digging the trench and filling it with soil, care should also be taken not to damage the roots, otherwise it will have a great impact on the growth of the fruit trees.
4. Turning the soil to preserve moisture
During winter irrigation, it is easy for the soil surface to become compacted, and soil compaction accelerates water evaporation, thereby reducing the effect of winter irrigation. Therefore, during winter irrigation, we should carry out reasonable soil turning work according to the soil type of the orchard. This destroys the soil capillary system and reduces soil water evaporation. Then, in winter, sun-drying the soil clods improves soil fertility, and can also reduce the base number of pests and diseases and lower the incidence rate.
The above is a brief introduction to when is the right time for kiwifruit winter irrigation. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!