The Latest Guide to Field Management Techniques for Hovenia dulcis (Raisin Tree)

Hovenia dulcis, also known as the fruit of longevity, has a sweet, tangy flesh with a slight astringency. It can be eaten raw, brewed into wine, or boiled into sugar, offering high edible value as well as significant medicinal value. So do you know about field management for Hovenia dulcis? Let's find out together.

1. Fertilization

Hovenia dulcis is fond of fertilizer. On the basis of applying sufficient base fertilizer, it needs 2 topdressings each year: the first in early to mid-May, and the second in mid to late July. Generally, 5 kg of decomposed farmyard manure and 100 g of superphosphate are applied per plant, mixed evenly, and then applied in furrows opened between the rows. After fruit harvest, one more fertilization should be applied, generally before the soil freezes, mainly with decomposed farmyard manure, covering the root system to a depth of 1-2 cm, or covering with a layer of dead branches and fallen leaves with a layer of soil pressed on top. This not only helps with heat preservation and moisture retention, but also protects the buds from frost damage, which is beneficial for seedling emergence and the yield of the following year.

2. Intertillage and Weeding

Intertillage and weeding should be carried out 3-4 times each year to promote the growth and development of the plant's root system. When cultivating, pay attention to the depth to avoid damaging the roots. Generally, the edges of the bed should be shallow, the middle slightly deeper, and near the root system it should be shallow hoed, following the principle of not damaging the roots. Weeding should be done frequently; if cultivating on a small scale, manual weeding is recommended; for large-scale cultivation, herbicides are recommended, but when using them, pay attention to the chemical concentration and spraying method to avoid affecting the plants.

Hovenia dulcis is a fibrous-root crop, with roots mostly distributed in the 15 cm soil layer, so it is afraid of both drought and waterlogging. In the Northeast region, drought often occurs in May-June; when drought occurs, it should be watered promptly to keep the soil moist and promote plant growth. In July-August, however, it is the rainy season, so drainage ditches should be dug in advance to promptly remove accumulated water from the orchard, reduce humidity, reduce root rot, and prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.

4. Orchard Cleaning

If the cultivation ground has no natural forest shade, remove the covering after seedling emergence, then immediately set up a shade frame and cover it with wormwood, sorghum stalk curtains, or nylon netting. In September, remove the shade material. Wait until the aboveground parts become bitter, then promptly clean the orchard, pick out dead leaves and other debris, take them outside the orchard and burn them, and at the same time spray chemicals to prevent and control pests and diseases.

The above is an introduction to field management techniques for Hovenia dulcis. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.