What are the fertilization characteristics of dragon fruit? Read this article to understand
The shaping and pruning of fruit trees can adjust the structure of the population and individual parts, improve light energy utilization conditions; use the dynamic balance law between the aboveground and underground parts to regulate the overall growth of fruit trees; adjust the quantity, quality, and rhythm of organ formation. Coordinate the contradictions between growth and fruiting, aging and rejuvenation, and among the various parts of the tree...
For soil fertilization, based on the characteristics of root distribution, fertilizer should be applied within the distribution layer of the fruit tree roots to facilitate absorption and maximize fertilizer efficiency. The fertilization method and application depth should be determined according to terrain, topography, soil texture, fertilizer type, and especially root distribution. The principle should be to apply fertilizer in the soil layer where roots are most concentrated, and completely bury it under the soil so it is not exposed to sun and rain, which would cause loss of fertilizer efficiency.Soil fertilization is the main method of orchard fertilization, and its methods include the following:
(1) Ring fertilization, also called circular fertilization. A ring-shaped trench is dug slightly away from the outer edge of the tree canopy for fertilizer application. This method has the advantages of simple operation and economical fertilizer use. However, digging trenches can easily cut horizontal roots, and the fertilization range is relatively small, so it is generally mostly used for fertilizing young trees.
(2) Semi-ring fertilization. This fertilization method is similar to ring fertilization, but the ring is interrupted into 3 to 4 pig-trough-style fertilization trenches. Therefore, it is also called pig-trough-style fertilization. This method damages fewer roots than ring fertilization, and by changing the fertilization position each time, the fertilization area can be expanded. It is suitable for both flat land and sloping land, and is a commonly used fertilization method in hilly and mountainous orchards. On sloping land, fertilization trenches should be dug above and on both sides of the tree.
(3) Radial fertilization. Starting about 1 m from the trunk under the tree canopy, with the trunk as the center, dig 4 to 6 trenches outward in a radial pattern. The trenches are generally 30 cm deep, and fertilizer is applied into them. This method generally damages fewer roots than ring fertilization, but large roots should also be avoided when digging trenches. The positions of the radial trenches can be changed every other year or every other time to expand the fertilization area and promote root absorption.
(4) Whole-orchard fertilization. This method is mostly used for mature fruit trees or densely planted orchards when roots have already spread throughout the orchard. Fertilizer is evenly spread throughout the orchard and then plowed into the soil to a depth of about 20 cm. The advantage is that the whole orchard fertilization area is large, and roots can evenly absorb nutrients. However, because it is applied shallowly, it often causes roots to grow upward, reducing root stress resistance. If this method is alternated with radial trench fertilization every other year, they can complement each other's shortcomings and maximize fertilizer effectiveness.
(5) Irrigation-type fertilization, that is, combining fertilization with irrigation. In recent years, with the gradual promotion of drip irrigation technology in China, this method has also been gradually applied. Whether combined with sprinkler irrigation or drip irrigation, irrigation-type fertilization provides fertilizer in a timely manner and distributes it evenly, does not continuously damage the root system, protects the soil structure of the plow layer, saves labor, and has high fertilizer utilization efficiency. It can increase yield and quality, reduce costs, and improve economic benefits.
(6) Root-outside topdressing, also known as foliar spraying. The advantages of this fertilization method are fast absorption, obvious results, fertilizer savings, and it is not affected by the nutrient distribution center. It can promptly meet the urgent needs of fruit trees and can avoid the chemical or biological fixation of some elements in the soil. Root-outside topdressing is especially able to supplement trace element fertilizers. However, root-outside topdressing can only be a beneficial supplement to soil fertilization and cannot replace soil fertilization.
Each of the above fertilization methods has its own characteristics. They should be used in rotation according to actual conditions, complementing each other's shortcomings, so as to maximize the effect of fertilization and avoid relying on a single method. Dragon fruit is a special emerging fruit tree. Its root system differs from that of other fruit trees. It has no main root, its roots are very shallow, basically distributed in the shallow surface soil, and it has strong aerial roots. Therefore, when fertilizing, special care should be taken not to damage the root system.
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