What are the soil requirements for citrus cultivation? Growers must read
In China, citrus is an in-season fruit in autumn, and its market demand is very large. Nowadays, many people grow citrus. Before planting citrus, the choice of soil is very important, as it directly affects the normal growth and development of citrus. It has a great relationship with the yield and quality of citrus. So how should soil be chosen for growing citrus? Below, the editor brings you the soil requirements for citrus cultivation. Let's take a look!
1. Soil pH
At present, citrus cultivation in China is mainly distributed on red soil, and the pH value of red soil is generally acidic. The pH of the soil has a great relationship with the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, the transformation of fertilizers, and the availability of trace elements. However, the pH value should not be too low either. If the soil pH is lower than 4, it will inhibit root growth and, in severe cases, lead to tree death. The most suitable pH for citrus growth is around 5.
2. Soil fertility
Soil fertility is the key to whether citrus can grow normally. The content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers in the soil will directly affect the yield of citrus and the quality of the fruit. To achieve high citrus yields, it is not only necessary to ensure sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements. The ratio of nitrogen to potassium should also be appropriately increased. Therefore, the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the soil can serve as a reference for the application rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers.
3. Soil layer thickness
The depth of the soil layer has a very great impact on the distribution of the citrus tree root system. If the soil layer is deep enough, the citrus tree root system has strong growth ability, is well developed, and is distributed deeply and widely. It can increase the absorption area for nutrients and water, promote robust growth of the citrus tree, and enhance the tree's cold and drought resistance. If the soil layer is too shallow, it will inhibit the extension of the root system, resulting in shallow distribution and a small area. It is easily affected by external environmental factors, such as temperature. Tree vigor and yield will be seriously affected, so the soil layer depth should be controlled at around one meter.
4. Soil permeability
Citrus is a fruit tree with mycorrhizae, and good permeability must be ensured for the citrus tree to grow normally. Soil with good permeability is very beneficial to the growth of seedling roots and the activity of soil microorganisms. If the soil is too heavy and clayey, then on the contrary, it will inhibit the growth of mycorrhizae and the reproduction of microorganisms. It will also cause a lack of oxygen in the soil, produce various toxic substances, inhibit root respiration, hinder root development, and cause phenomena such as root rot.
The above is a brief introduction to the soil requirements for citrus cultivation. In addition to the above, we should also pay attention to soil texture, etc., and ensure all aspects of the soil to ensure the normal growth of citrus. That's all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can be helpful to everyone!