Key Technical Points for Sweet Cherry Management in Autumn and Winter

Rational Fertilization

Fertilization can be carried out from September to November, but early application is preferable in order to make the fertilizer effective in the same year and increase nutrient reserves before overwintering. When choosing fertilizers, farmyard manure should be the main type. For young trees, apply 30 kg of human excrement and urine or 50 kg of barnyard manure per tree; for large bearing trees, apply 50 kg of human excrement and urine or 100 kg of barnyard manure per tree. In addition, pay attention to applying NPK compound fertilizer or special fruit tree fertilizer, with 1 kg per young tree and 2 kg per large tree.

Deep Plowing

In order to keep the soil loose, deep plowing should be carried out between the tree rows, generally to a depth of 20 cm. During deep plowing, roots can be appropriately cut to promote the growth of new roots and tree growth. However, the thickness of cut roots should be controlled within a diameter of 0.5 cm, and thick roots should be damaged as little as possible or not at all.

Clearing Fallen Leaves and Weeds

After the leaves have completely fallen, promptly sweep up the fallen leaves, remove the weeds and burn them, or gather the fallen leaves and weeds in a compost pit to make organic fertilizer. This not only increases the source of fertilizer but also eliminates pests and diseases.

Pest and Disease Control

After leaf fall, spray the plants once with 5 degrees Baume lime sulfur mixture to eliminate pathogens and some pests.

Whitewashing the Trunk

From after leaf fall until before the ground freezes, the trunk can be whitewashed to protect it from freezing damage and to prevent pests from laying eggs. The formula for the whitewash is: 1 kg quicklime, 5 kg water, 100 g salt, 50 g vegetable oil. First slake the quicklime, then mix it with the salt and vegetable oil in the specified proportions.

Winter Irrigation

In order to maintain soil moisture and eliminate pests and diseases, irrigate before the soil freezes. A large amount of water is suitable, and the entire orchard can be flood-irrigated.