How to Fertilize Dragon Fruit? Correct Methods and Key Technical Points
Soil fertilization is the main method of orchard fertilization, and its methods include the following: (1) Ring fertilization, also called circular fertilization. It involves digging a ring-shaped trench slightly away from the outer edge of the tree canopy and applying fertilizer there. This method has the advantages of being simple to carry out and economical in 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....
Soil fertilization is the main method of orchard fertilization, and its methods include the following:
(1) Ring fertilization. Also called circular fertilization. It involves digging a ring-shaped trench slightly away from the outer edge of the tree canopy and applying fertilizer there. This method has the advantages of being simple to carry out and economical in 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 to 4 pig-trough-style fertilization trenches. Therefore, it is also called pig-trough-style fertilization. Compared with ring fertilization, this method damages fewer roots, 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 method for fertilizing orchards in hilly and mountainous areas. 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 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 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 mature fruit trees or densely planted orchards when the root system has already spread throughout the entire orchard. Fertilizer is spread evenly throughout the orchard and then tilled into the soil to a depth of about 20 cm. The advantage is that the fertilized area in the whole orchard is large, and the root system can absorb nutrients evenly. However, because it is applied shallowly, it often causes roots to turn upward and reduces the stress resistance of the root system. If this method is alternated with radial trench fertilization every other year, they can complement each other's shortcomings and bring the greatest effect of fertilizer into play.
(5) Irrigation 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 irrigation fertilization is combined with sprinkler irrigation or drip irrigation, because fertilizer is supplied promptly and distributed evenly, it not only avoids repeatedly injuring the root system but also protects the soil structure of the cultivated layer, saves labor, and results in a high fertilizer utilization rate. 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 fast absorption, obvious results, fertilizer savings, and it is not affected by the nutrient distribution center, so 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 able to supplement 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, and they should be used in rotation according to actual conditions, complementing each other's shortcomings, so as to bring out the greatest effect of fertilization and avoid using 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 root system is 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 injure the root system.
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