The Latest Key Management Techniques for Plum Tree Cultivation
The plum belongs to the genus Prunus in the rose family (Rosaceae). Its appearance is crystal clear and translucent, and its taste is sweet and sour, making it loved by many people. Plums help with the secretion of gastric acid and gastric digestive enzymes, and surveys show that plums contain an astonishing amount of antioxidants, and are called a “super fruit” for anti-aging and disease prevention. Today, the editor brings you the management methods for plums, so let's take a look.
1. Planting method
Plum trees are generally planted in spring, because plums are prone to frost damage in autumn and winter. After choosing the site and building the orchard, dig the planting holes. The planting holes are generally 1-1.2 m deep and 0.8-1 m in diameter. When digging the holes, the excavated soil must not be transported out of the orchard; place the soil around the holes for later use. Then place the plum saplings vertically in the holes, being careful not to let the roots tangle together, and spread all the roots out, because this is conducive to comprehensive root growth and nutrient absorption. When filling with soil, shake the trunk while filling so that all of the trunk comes into full contact with the soil. When the fill reaches 20-30 cm, mix fertilizer with the soil and continue filling. When the fill reaches 50-70 cm, tread the soil firmly while filling. Finally, it should be 10-20 cm above the ground. Water immediately after filling with soil.
2. Soil and fertilizer management
Plum trees are not very strict about soil requirements. No matter what kind of soil it is, they can quickly adapt and grow normally, and there are no particular requirements for pH. However, deep soil layers and fertile soil can promote the growth and development of plum trees, and some vegetable crops can also be planted between each tree. But if the soil is relatively barren and shallow, some beans such as broad beans can be planted. Of course, this is not planted for your own consumption; it is plowed into the soil around the Beginning of Spring the following year as fertilizer for the trees.
3. Fertilization timing
(1) Post-harvest fertilizer: Post-harvest fertilizer is mainly applied in summer after harvesting the fruit. This stage is when plums need fertilizer the most. The main fertilizers can be farmyard manure and green manure. The purpose is to restore the nutrients the tree lost after harvest and prevent premature leaf drop.
(2) Pre-flowering fertilizer: Pre-flowering fertilizer is applied in spring when the flower buds begin to sprout. The amount of fertilizer needed is the least, mainly quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, and the purpose is to promote flowering.
(3) Fruit-strengthening fertilizer: Fruit-strengthening fertilizer is applied when the fruit begins to form a pit, in order to promote fruit expansion and provide sufficient nutrients. The main fertilizer applied is compost, and the amount needed is second only to that at the harvest stage.
The above is a brief summary by the editor of the matters needing attention before and after planting plums. Plums are actually very easy to grow, and their soil requirements are not strict at all, unlike other fruits. The main thing is still the three fertilizations during the growing period. These three fertilizations are related to the final yield and quality of the plums. Of course, plum trees also have many diseases that need to be prevented and treated. If you want to learn about the pests and diseases of plum trees, please continue to follow Qinnong Net!