Drought resistance in fruit trees is primarily determined by their genetic traits, but it's also significantly influenced by environmental factors. Understanding the water needs of these trees allows for more effective irrigation and tailored cultivation practices during critical growth periods. This helps maintain soil moisture, improve water retention, and ultimately boost yield.
1. **Selecting Drought-Resistant Fruit Trees**
The natural drought tolerance of fruit trees largely depends on their species. For example, pomegranate, jujube, fig, and stone fruits are highly resistant to drought, while walnuts, plums, and grapes have moderate resistance. Apple, pear, and persimmon trees are the least drought-tolerant. Dwarf rootstocks like Qiao, M7, MM106, as well as varieties such as Mountain Stator, Xifu Begonia, Xinjiang Wild Fruit, Jellyfish Fruit, Yamanashi, Mountain Peach, and Mountain Grape, are known for better drought resilience.
2. **Strengthening Cultivation Practices**
2.1 **Proper Planting Density**: Maintain a medium density with row spacing between 2.5 to 4 meters. Ensure the orchard is flat and plant large pits (about 1 cubic meter) to support root development.
2.2 **Pruning and Growth Management**: Prune timely using shears or oil-based sealants to prevent sap loss. Remove excess buds in spring and unnecessary shoots in summer. Implement proper flower setting and load management to reduce nutrient waste.
2.3 **Fertilization Techniques**: Apply organic manure and use balanced fertilization to strengthen tree vigor. Fertilize at an appropriate depth to encourage deep root growth and enhance drought resistance.
2.4 **Soil Cultivation**: Regularly till the soil deeply to improve aeration and water infiltration.
2.5 **Terrace and Fish Scale Pit Construction**: On sloped land, build terraces and fish scale pits to collect rainwater and increase local water availability, thus improving drought resistance.
3. **Orchard Covering Technology**
3.1 **Covering with Mulch or Grass**: Use plastic film or grass cover to retain soil moisture. Plastic mulch increases soil temperature, promotes microbial activity, and enhances root development. Grass cover improves soil fertility, suppresses weeds, and reduces labor. It should be applied in summer when soil temperature reaches 20°C. Use materials like straw, leaves, or crop residues. Apply about 1,000 to 2,500 kg per 667 square meters. Before covering, create a small channel around each tree and press the soil to prevent wind from blowing the cover away.
3.2 **White Clover Planting**: The Ministry of Agriculture recommends white clover due to its long-term growth, shade tolerance, and ability to improve soil structure. Sow in spring or autumn, with a seeding rate of 0.4–0.6 kg per 667 square meters. Maintain moisture during seedling stage and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers after establishment. Cut the clover 2–4 times a year and replace every 5 years.
4. **Hole Storage Fertilizer and Water Mulching Technology**
This technique involves creating holes filled with straw or compost mixed with fertilizer. These holes help store water and nutrients, reducing irrigation needs by up to 70%. Place them at the edge of the tree canopy and cover with plastic film to trap rainwater. Apply fertilizer periodically and remove the mulch during rainy seasons to allow water absorption.
5. **Water-Saving Irrigation Techniques**
Implement drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, or micro-irrigation to optimize water use and minimize wastage.
6. **Chemical Agents for Drought Resistance**
6.1 **Moisture Absorbent Agents**: Products like KD-1 superabsorbent resin can absorb up to 200 times their weight in water, helping retain moisture for extended periods. They improve soil porosity and reduce compaction.
6.2 **Anti-Transpiration Agents**: Substances like fulvic acid reduce transpiration without harming physiological processes. They improve water potential and help trees retain moisture more efficiently, especially during dry spells.
By integrating these strategies, orchard managers can significantly improve the drought resistance and productivity of fruit trees, ensuring sustainable and efficient farming practices.
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