When is the most suitable time for winter irrigation of kiwifruit?
Kiwifruit gradually enters dormancy in winter, and the tree's demand for nutrients is not very great. Therefore, winter fertilization work can be relaxed appropriately, but attention should be paid to winter irrigation work. Reasonable winter irrigation can effectively help kiwifruit trees overwinter safely and ensure their production capacity the following year. So when is the suitable time for winter irrigation of kiwifruit trees? And how should winter irrigation be done? Below, the editor will briefly introduce it for everyone. Let's take a look together!
I. Winter irrigation time
When giving kiwifruit winter irrigation, we must first determine the appropriate winter irrigation time. Generally, it should be carried out during the period after the kiwifruit fruit is harvested until the soil freezes. However, it is best to do it when the average temperature of the soil layer at about 5 cm is about 5 degrees. At this time, the effect of winter irrigation is the best. However, before winter irrigation, we should also pay attention to whether the kiwifruit trees need water. Generally, the maximum water-holding capacity of the field where kiwifruit trees are planted is about 70%. After entering dormancy, the water-holding capacity should be increased by another 10% or so to ensure that the kiwifruit trees overwinter safely. Therefore, if the soil water-holding capacity is insufficient, winter irrigation should be carried out in time.
II. Winter irrigation methods
1. Well irrigation
Well irrigation is one of the main methods of winter irrigation for kiwifruit trees. However, the first condition is to have a well. For fruit growers with the conditions, well irrigation can be carried out. Before winter irrigation, water channels should be dug between the rows of kiwifruit trees according to the plant and row spacing of the fruit trees. Then put water into the channels, irrigate the soil thoroughly, prompt the fruit trees to absorb sufficient water, increase the water content of the roots, and ensure that the fruit trees overwinter safely.
2. Root watering
During winter irrigation, the watering method will also differ depending on the age of the trees. For example, when carrying out winter irrigation for kiwifruit trees within two years of age, the root watering method should be used. First, soil should be used around the kiwifruit tree to build an earth ridge around the tree disk. The height of the earth ridge should be kept at about 18 cm to avoid overflow and outflow during watering and prevent waste of water resources. Concentrate the water and prompt it to penetrate as quickly as possible.
3. Trenching
For perennial fruit trees, a small ditch should be dug at a distance of about 60 cm from the fruit tree. Then pour water into the ditch and let the water slowly penetrate to the roots so that the roots absorb it. If it is not watered thoroughly the first time, then water it again the next day. Then fill the ditch with soil and tread it firm to avoid air leakage causing frost damage to the roots. When digging ditches and filling soil, also be careful not to damage the roots, otherwise it will have a great impact on the growth of the fruit trees.
4. Turning the soil to preserve moisture
Winter irrigation easily causes the soil surface to become compacted, and soil compaction accelerates water evaporation, thereby reducing the effect of winter irrigation. Therefore, when carrying out winter irrigation, we should carry out reasonable soil turning work according to the soil type of the orchard. Destroy the soil capillary system and reduce soil water evaporation. Then sun the soil clods in winter to improve soil fertility, and also reduce the base number of pests and diseases and lower the incidence rate.
The above is a brief introduction to when is the suitable time for winter irrigation of kiwifruit. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!