How to fertilize dragon fruit scientifically? Key methods explained in detail
1. During the flowering period, spray once every about 10-15 days with 20 ppm cytokinin and 1000x Farmer's Calcium. Cytokinin promotes the proliferation of fruit embryo cells, which benefits the fruit's ability to hold substances during the later expansion stage, creating a larger potential space. Calcium combines with pectin to form calcium pectate, improving the toughness of the peel,...
For soil fertilization, based on the characteristics of root distribution, fertilizer should be applied within the layer where the fruit tree's roots are distributed, to facilitate absorption and maximize fertilizer efficiency. The fertilization method and the depth of application should be determined according to the terrain, topography, soil texture, fertilizer type, and especially the root distribution. One should ensure the fertilizer is applied in the soil layer where roots are most concentrated and completely buried under the soil, so it is not exposed to sun and rain and does not lose its effectiveness.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 and fertilizer is applied in it. This method has the advantages of simple operation and economical fertilizer use. However, digging the trench easily cuts horizontal roots, and the fertilization area 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 3-4 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, the fertilization trenches should be dug above and on both sides of the tree.
(3) Radial fertilization. Starting about 1 m from the trunk beneath the tree canopy, with the trunk as the center, dig 4-6 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 the 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 adult fruit trees or densely planted orchards when the root system has already spread throughout the entire orchard. Fertilizer is evenly scattered 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 the roots can evenly absorb nutrients. However, because it is applied shallowly, it often causes roots to grow upward, reducing the roots' 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 fertilization, that is, combining fertilization with irrigation. In recent years, with the gradual promotion of drip irrigation technology in our country, this method has also been gradually applied. Whether combined with sprinkler irrigation or drip irrigation, irrigation fertilization, because it supplies fertilizer promptly and distributes fertilizer evenly, not only avoids continuous root damage but also protects the soil structure of the cultivated layer, saves labor, and has high fertilizer utilization efficiency. It can increase yield and quality, while also reducing costs and improving economic benefits.
(6) Foliar topdressing, also called leaf surface spraying. The advantages of this fertilization method are rapid absorption, obvious results, fertilizer savings, and freedom from the influence of 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. Foliar topdressing is especially effective for supplementing trace element fertilizers. However, foliar 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 fertilization effect 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 powerful aerial roots. Therefore, when fertilizing, special care should be taken not to damage the roots.
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