What conditions are needed for growing Shatang mandarin oranges?
The Shatang mandarin is a relatively well-known variety of citrus. Its flesh is smooth with no residue, and its taste is fresh and sweet, making it deeply loved by men, women, and children across our country. In recent years, the growing prospects of Shatang mandarins have attracted much attention, but due to limitations of its growing conditions, its planting area has remained relatively small. So what conditions are needed for growing Shatang mandarins? Let's take a look.
1. Soil requirements
The Shatang mandarin has a wide adaptability to soil. Red-yellow loam, sandy beach, and coastal silt soils can all be used for planting, and it can grow in soil environments with a pH value of 4.5-8, but a pH value of 5.5-6.5 is preferable. The root system of the Shatang mandarin requires a relatively high oxygen content during growth, so when planting, try to choose soil that is loose in texture, rich in organic matter, and well-drained. If the soil is sticky and heavy with poor drainage, it can easily lead to soil compaction, affecting the root respiration of the Shatang mandarin, thereby causing poor growth, affecting yield and quality, and making the fruit taste more sour.
2. Temperature requirements
The Shatang mandarin likes a warm environment and fears high temperatures. A high-temperature environment is unfavorable for the growth of the Shatang mandarin. Generally, when the temperature is above 37 degrees, the plant's root system will stop growing. Temperature also has a certain effect on fruit quality. When grown at suitable temperatures, its sugar content and soluble solids will increase as the temperature rises, and acidity will also decrease, resulting in better quality. Its suitable growth temperature is between 12.5-37 degrees. During flower bud differentiation in autumn, day and night temperatures of around 20 degrees and 10 degrees are required. Once the temperature drops below zero, varying degrees of freeze damage may occur, and in severe cases the plant may freeze to death directly.
3. Light requirements
The Shatang mandarin is a tree species with extremely strong shade tolerance, but if high yield is desired, sufficient light still needs to be provided. Generally, it can grow normally in areas with 1200-2000 annual sunshine hours. When grown in areas with good light conditions and sufficient heat, its fruit has high sugar content, low acid content, and a high sugar-acid ratio.
4. Water requirements
The Shatang mandarin is suitable for planting in tropical and subtropical regions with annual rainfall of around 1000 millimeters. However, because rainfall distribution is uneven, artificial watering is often needed to supplement moisture. During production and cultivation, the relative soil moisture content should preferably be controlled at around 60%-80%. Once it falls below 60%, water should be applied promptly. During heavy rain, soil waterlogging or a high groundwater level may occur. For orchards with poor drainage, this may cause root rot and death, so drainage measures should be well implemented.
The above is an introduction to the growing conditions of the Shatang mandarin. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.