Fruit tree pruning methods and techniques

Fruit tree pruning and fertilizing are two crucial links in fruit tree cultivation, which directly affect the growth, yield and quality of fruit trees. Reasonable pruning and fertilization management can not only promote the healthy growth of fruit trees, but also improve the stress resistance of fruit trees and extend the life of fruit trees. Let’s talk about the pruning methods and techniques of fruit trees.

1. Fruit tree pruning

Fruit tree pruning refers to adjusting the tree structure of fruit trees through manual pruning, improving the ventilation and light conditions of the tree crown, and promoting the healthy growth of fruit trees. The principle of pruning is "prune according to the tree and shape according to the branches", that is, flexibly adopt different pruning methods according to factors such as the variety, age, vigor, and crown shape of the fruit tree.

1. Pruning time

The time for pruning fruit trees is generally from winter to early spring. At this time, the fruit trees are dormant, the sap flows slowly, and pruning causes less damage to the fruit trees. At the same time, pruning is beneficial to wound healing and reduces the invasion of diseases and pests.

2. Pruning method

(1) Thinning branches: Prune away useless branches such as those that are too dense, crossed, overlapping, diseased, or insect-infested from the base of the tree crown to improve the ventilation and light conditions of the tree crown and promote the healthy growth of fruit trees.

(2) Shortening: Cut off part of the branches to stimulate the buds below the cut to sprout and form new branches. The degree of pruning depends on the strength of the branches and the vigor of the tree. Generally, 1/3 to 1/2 of the branches are cut off.

(3) Pruning: Shortening perennial branches to restore tree vigor and rejuvenate the tree. When pruning back, select strong branches and buds to avoid heavy pruning that affects the tree's vigor.

(4) Slow growth: Do not prune one-year-old branches, and allow them to grow naturally to moderate the tree's vigor and promote the differentiation of flower buds. The objects that need to be slowed down are mainly branches with weaker growth potential.

3. Notes

(1) When pruning, keep the cut smooth to avoid tearing the bark and affecting wound healing.

(2) When pruning, you should flexibly control the degree of pruning based on factors such as the variety, age, and vigor of the fruit tree to avoid pruning too heavily or too lightly.

(3) After pruning, the pruned branches in the orchard should be cleaned up promptly to reduce the breeding of diseases and pests.

2. Fertilization of fruit trees

Fruit tree fertilization is an important measure to ensure the normal growth and yield quality of fruit trees in fruit tree cultivation. Reasonable fertilization can meet the nutrients required for the growth of fruit trees and improve the stress resistance and yield quality of fruit trees.

1. Fertilization time

The timing of fertilizing fruit trees should be determined according to the growth cycle and nutrient requirements of the fruit trees. Generally speaking, the critical periods for fertilizing fruit trees are before bud break, after flowering, during fruit expansion, and after harvest in spring.

2. Fertilization method

(1) Base fertilizer: It is applied after the fruit trees have shed their leaves but before they sprout, and is mainly organic fertilizer , such as farmyard manure and green manure. The amount of base fertilizer applied should be determined based on factors such as the variety, age, and vigor of the fruit tree, and generally accounts for 60% to 70% of the total amount of fertilizer applied.

(2) Top dressing: It is carried out during the growth period of fruit trees, mainly using chemical fertilizers such as nitrogen fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer, potassium fertilizer, etc. The application time and amount of topdressing should be determined according to the growth and nutrient requirements of the fruit trees, and is generally carried out in several times.

(3) Foliar fertilization: During the growth period of fruit trees, nutrients are provided to fruit trees by foliar spraying. Foliar fertilization has the characteristics of small dosage and quick effect, but attention should be paid to the concentration and spraying time to avoid causing damage to the fruit trees.

3. Precautions for fertilization

(1) When applying fertilizer, the amount and time of fertilizer application should be reasonably determined based on factors such as the variety, age, and vigor of the fruit trees to avoid excessive or insufficient fertilization. #Summer Life Check-in Season#

(2) When applying fertilizer , spread it evenly around the tree crown to avoid direct contact with the tree roots, which could cause root burn.

(3) Water the soil promptly after fertilizing to promote the dissolution and penetration of fertilizers and improve the utilization rate of fertilizers.

(4) During the fertilization process, attention should be paid to protecting the ecological environment of the orchard and avoiding pollution of the soil and water sources.

In short, fruit tree pruning and fertilizing are two indispensable links in fruit tree cultivation. Through reasonable pruning and fertilization management, the healthy growth of fruit trees can be promoted and the yield and quality of fruit trees can be improved.