What conditions are needed for citrus cultivation? A detailed explanation of the latest growing requirements

Citrus fruit trees mainly originated in the rainy forest regions of southern China. They are subtropical evergreen fruit trees that prefer a warm and humid climate, are not tolerant of low temperatures, are relatively shade-tolerant, and their roots need good aeration and good water, requiring fertile soil rich in organic matter. Let us now take a detailed look at the growing conditions for citrus!

Temperature effects

Temperature is the main factor affecting the distribution, yield and quality of citrus cultivation, and is also the main basis for citrus ecological zoning. It is generally believed that 12.8℃ is the temperature at which citrus begins to grow, the optimum temperature for growth is 23-31℃, and growth is inhibited at 37-38℃. Effective accumulated temperature has a great influence on citrus growth. In China's citrus-producing areas, the annual accumulated temperature of ≥10℃ is 4500-9000℃.

Light conditions

Citrus has a relatively wide range of adaptability to sunlight. In China's citrus-producing areas, the annual sunshine duration is about 1000-2700 hours, and growth and fruiting are generally good. Citrus is relatively shade-tolerant, and scattered light helps enhance photosynthesis; excessively strong direct light is often unfavorable for citrus growth and can easily cause sunburn to fruit, branches and leaves. Therefore, appropriate close planting is beneficial for citrus growth and fruiting. However, for citrus to be high-yielding and high-quality, better light is also needed. With sufficient sunshine, branches and leaves grow robustly, leaves are small and thick, contain relatively high nitrogen and phosphorus, flower bud differentiation is good, fruiting is abundant and yields are high, coloration is good, aroma is strong, and the content of sugar and vitamin C is increased.

Water requirements

Citrus prefers humidity and has a large annual water requirement. An annual rainfall of 1200-2000 mm is suitable. During the citrus growing season, abundant and even rainfall can reduce irrigation costs. If rainfall is low or during dry seasons, irrigation is necessary.

Terrain and soil

Citrus can be successfully cultivated on mountain land, hills, flat land and river alluvial land. Its adaptability to soil is also relatively wide; for example, purple soil, red-yellow soil, alluvial fluvo-aquic soil and others can all grow and fruit. However, citrus roots need good aeration and good water, so deep soil rich in organic matter, loose in texture and with good structure is suitable fertile soil. Generally, a soil organic matter content of more than 3% is required, preferably around 5%. Citrus has a relatively wide range of adaptability to soil pH; within the range of pH 4.8-8.5, high yields can be obtained, with pH 6.0-6.5 being suitable. Among the purple soils in our province, alkaline purple soil can reach above pH 8.0, where citrus shows weak tree vigor and leaf yellowing, and attention should be paid to improving the soil.