The Latest Planting Methods and Key Cultivation Techniques for Gonggan
Gonggan has the title of China's citrus king. It is a fruit that combines the merits of both orange and mandarin; of course, it is also a hybrid of mandarin and orange. Its cultivation history in China is very long, and in ancient times Gonggan was even a tribute fruit reserved for emperors. So how is Gonggan grown? Today let us step into the world of Gonggan cultivation and explore its planting methods.
1. Orchard Site Preparation
Since Gonggan holds such a high status, the choice of planting site is also very important. Generally, fields, mountain areas, hills, and plains are chosen that have soil rich in organic matter, deep soil layers, well-developed soil structure, abundant water resources, complete drainage and irrigation systems, and convenient transportation for easy shipping. We need to reclaim the land according to the plan, set out points and dig the planting holes, which should be about one meter wide and seventy cm deep, apply enough base fertilizer, and cover with a layer of fine soil.
2. Planting and Establishing the Orchard
For Gonggan seedlings, we should select young plants with well-developed roots, thick and strong growth, no pests or diseases, a height of about sixty to eighty cm, and relatively thick stems. Before planting, the branches and leaves of the seedlings need to be properly pruned. If planting on flat ground, the spacing is generally about three meters between rows and two meters between plants, while on sloping land it is about three point five meters between rows and two point five meters between plants. The planting time is generally when buds sprout in spring each year and around October to November in autumn. Finally, about half a month after planting, the plants need to be watered appropriately.
3. Management of Young Trees
The management of young trees is mainly to promote the growth of branches and leaves, and the principle of fertilization is to apply fertilizer frequently and lightly. About ten days after planting, one topdressing is needed, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, to strengthen the shoots. Then about one month after planting, an appropriate amount of urea should be applied and watered in after mixing with water. Fertilization must be carried out at least five to six times a year, and the concentration of the fertilizer gradually increases as the branches grow. In the second year of fertilization, in addition to nitrogen fertilizer, a three-element compound fertilizer also needs to be added, while in the third year, compound fertilizer is the main type, combined with organic rotten manure. In order to promote early fruiting and high yield of Gonggan, reasonable shaping and pruning are needed to control top growth, using methods such as pulling lines for shaping and removing buds to control shoots for pruning and shaping. Watering and drainage should also be carried out according to the amount of water needed for Gonggan's growth, and at least three or more times a year of earthing up, loosening the soil, and weeding are required.
4. Management of Mature Trees
For mature Gonggan trees, management mainly involves topdressing and pruning of branches and leaves. For mature fruit trees, generally only four fertilizations are needed each year. The first is when branches and leaves sprout in spring, mainly nitrogen fertilizer. The second is carried out before flowering, mainly phosphorus fertilizer. The third is carried out after flowering to promote fruit enlargement, mainly potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer. The last is carried out after the fruit is harvested, to maintain the fruit trees and ensure a high yield the following year. Pruning of Gonggan trees is generally carried out in summer, mainly following the principle of pruning away crowded growth, diseased branches, dead branches, and old branches, to achieve the goal of high yield. Second, to protect flowers and fruits, we also need to carry out ring-barking. Finally, water must be reasonably controlled, especially during the fruiting period; the amount of water must not fluctuate too much, otherwise fruit cracking will occur. In the later stage of fruit growth, water should be appropriately reduced so that Gonggan can accumulate sugar.
The above is what the editor wants to introduce to you today about Gonggan planting methods. In fact, when planting Gonggan, there are still many points to pay attention to, but the editor's energy is also limited. However, if everyone wants to learn more information about Gonggan, you can contact the editor.