What are the growing conditions for citrus? Explained clearly in one article

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

Temperature effects

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

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. Excessive direct light is often unfavorable for citrus growth and can easily cause sunburn to fruit, branches and leaves. Therefore, appropriate dense planting is beneficial to citrus growth and fruiting. However, for citrus to achieve high yield and good quality, better light is also needed. With sufficient sunshine, branches and leaves grow robustly, leaves are small and thick, and 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 high annual water requirement. The annual rainfall is preferably 1200-2000 millimeters. During the citrus growing season, abundant and evenly distributed rainfall can reduce irrigation costs. If rainfall is low or there is a dry season, irrigation is required.

Terrain and soil

Citrus can be successfully cultivated in mountainous areas, hills, flat land and river alluvial land. It also has relatively wide adaptability to soil, such as purple soil, red-yellow soil, alluvial fluvo-aquic soil and so on, all of which can grow and bear fruit. However, citrus roots need good aeration and good water drainage, and require deep soil rich in organic matter, loose texture and good structure, preferably fertile soil. It is generally required that the soil organic matter content be above 3%, preferably around 5%. Citrus has a relatively wide adaptability to soil pH. Within the range of pH4.8-8.5, high yields can be obtained, and pH6.0-6.5 is suitable. Among the purple soils in our province, alkaline purple soil can reach above pH8.0, and citrus shows weak tree vigor and yellowing leaves, so attention should be paid to improving the soil.