Irrigated crop cultivation in the garden is a fundamental technique for weeding and soil management. It's a traditional orchard practice that involves keeping the orchard surface bare. This method of loosening the soil and timely weed control helps prevent weeds from competing with fruit trees for nutrients and moisture. Frequent tilling also keeps the soil loose, improves aeration, and accelerates the decomposition of organic matter, leading to a quick increase in soil nitrogen content. However, this approach has drawbacks: it leaves the soil exposed, causing significant topsoil erosion, nutrient leaching, and damage to soil structure. Long-term intensive tilling can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weakening tree vitality and causing physiological issues.
Another method is the cover crop technique, where clear tillage is used early in the season when fruit trees need more water and nutrients, and cover crops are planted later or during rainy seasons. Once the cover crops grow, they are turned into green manure. This is known as the clear tillage cover method. Some orchards don't grow green manure directly but use seasonal cover crops around the orchard. This method combines the benefits of both tilling and ground cover, making it an effective soil management strategy. However, sourcing green manure can be challenging, especially as the tree canopy expands, limiting space for intercropping. The labor required for planting and managing cover crops also restricts its widespread use.
The practice of using mulch throughout the orchard has shown improvements in yield and rhizosphere environment, but it also brings challenges such as floating roots and reduced soil organic matter. More research is needed to refine this technique.
Natural grass cultivation is another popular approach, allowing the orchard to grow grass naturally while removing only invasive species. Grass is mowed 3–4 times a year to keep it short, preventing interference with tree growth and field operations. While grass absorbs nutrients and water from the soil, regular mowing helps control its growth. In the early years, an extra 20% of nitrogen fertilizer may be needed to support grass growth, which eventually improves soil quality and reduces fertilizer needs. Young orchards are particularly sensitive to competition, so it’s advisable to avoid grass near the trunk while covering other areas. Cut grass is often left under the trees to enrich the soil.
Over time, natural grass cultivation reduces labor and soil disturbance. The decomposing grass and roots add organic matter, improve soil structure, balance pH, and enhance root activity. It also stabilizes soil temperature, supports beneficial insects, and helps control pests and diseases. Additionally, it increases organic manure availability and lowers production costs. In recent years, Yongchun County has promoted this method extensively. However, grass can cause surface compaction and affect water infiltration, so periodic soil cultivation is necessary to maintain healthy root systems.
Each soil management method has its pros and cons, and combining them can help mitigate disadvantages. As labor costs rise and competition intensifies, citrus farming is shifting toward less-intensive practices. Based on long-term experience and improved techniques, mountain orchards should focus on deep soil preparation, such as large hole excavation and drainage. Annual deep plowing and soil improvement should be carried out, especially after establishing natural grass cover. Regular topsoil cultivation (15–20 cm) and mowing green grass 3–4 times a year can reduce tillage and improve soil health. After many years of cultivation, partial deep burial can be used to maintain mature soil layers, ensuring good water retention and root development. This approach not only preserves surface soil but also enhances organic matter and root activity, leading to more sustainable orchard management.
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