Technical points for planting citrus seedlings

In the process of planting citrus , there are many factors that affect the survival of citrus seedlings . In addition to the more typical issues such as seedling quality, the key lies in the operation of planting technology. So what are the specific technical points to master? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Land preparation and digging

Before planting, high weeds, stumps, dead branches and living things must be cleared away. For example, if the orange orchard is being rebuilt after a disaster, necessary soil sterilization must be carried out. Then, according to the planting method, determine the planting point and dig the hole (ditch). The planting hole is generally 1-1.2 meters in diameter and 0.8 meters deep. Then, add 200 kg of high-quality soil and fertilizer + 1 kg of calcium fertilizer and 2 kg of phosphate fertilizer to each hole and mix them thoroughly with the soil.

2. Seedling treatment

For example, pruning and root pruning. Pruning is to cut off diseased and insect-infested branches and extra weak branches, tender leaves, and twigs. For the strong branches that need to be retained, they are appropriately shortened, and some leaves are removed to reduce water transpiration after planting. Root pruning is to prune the injured roots, shorten the main roots and large roots that are too long, cut off the injured roots, and retain the healthy root system. At the same time, if conditions permit, it is best to disinfect the seedlings and dip their roots.

3. Planting points

Place the seedlings in the planting hole, and pay attention to adjusting the height of the seedling soil ball to expose the grafting point. Cover loose soil and tamp it down lightly to firm it up. If the soil is dry, you can pre-irrigate the planting hole with a certain amount of water to help the roots fit the soil. The root neck should be level with the soil after planting. Planting too deep or too shallow is not conducive to the growth of orange seedlings.

4. Planting density

The planting density of citrus seedlings is generally 2.1-2.6×3-3.6 meters between rows and plants, with 75-100 plants per acre. However, the specific planting density also needs to take into account factors such as the growth and fruiting characteristics of the planting variety and rootstock , the light and heat conditions of the planting site, the soil type and soil layer thickness, the cultivation management level and cultivation management habits.

5. Post-planting management

(1) Watering: After transplanting to prevent drought, promptly irrigate with 10-15 ml of Haoda functional fertilizer per plant as rooting water. The amount of water should be based on ensuring that the roots are moist.

(2) Sunshade: When encountering high temperatures and strong sunlight, prepare necessary shading measures such as sunshade nets.

(3) Inspection: Check the survival rate and remove dead trees promptly and replant them promptly.

(4) Covering: If conditions permit, cover the ground around the seedlings with a layer of straw or other covering material about 10 cm thick to reduce soil moisture evaporation.

In general, if you want your citrus seedlings to have a high survival rate, adapt quickly, and grow strong, mastering the above-mentioned technical points is of utmost importance. Only by doing these production management tasks well can we lay a good foundation for the high and stable yield of citrus seedlings.