Irrigated crop cultivation in the garden is a key technique for weeding and soil management. It is a traditional method used in orchards to keep the soil surface exposed, which helps control weeds and prevent them from competing with fruit trees for nutrients and water. Regular loosening of the soil and timely weed removal not only keeps the soil loose and well-aerated but also accelerates the decomposition of organic matter, leading to a quick increase in soil nitrogen content. However, this method has its drawbacks. The exposed soil surface leads to significant topsoil loss, increased leaching of fertilizer nutrients, and damage to soil structure. Long-term intensive tilling can result in nutrient deficiencies, reduced tree vigor, and physiological issues.
An alternative approach is the cover crop method, where clear tillage is practiced early in the growing season when fruit trees require the most water and nutrients. In the late season or during rainy periods, cover crops are planted and later incorporated into the soil as green manure. This method, known as "clear tillage with cover," combines the benefits of both traditional tilling and ground cover. Some orchards use seasonal cover crops around the area instead of planting green manure directly. While effective, the availability of green manure can be limited, and as the tree canopy expands, the space for intercropping becomes restricted. Additionally, maintaining cover crops requires more labor, which limits their widespread adoption.
The practice of mulching the entire orchard has shown positive effects on yield and rhizosphere environment, but it also brings challenges such as floating roots and a decrease in soil organic matter. More research is needed to optimize this method.
Another method is natural grass cultivation, where grass is allowed to grow naturally in the orchard, with only invasive species removed. Beneficial grasses are encouraged to cover the entire orchard surface. Each year, the grass is mowed 3–4 times using a lawnmower or manually to control height and avoid interfering with tree growth or field operations. Grass consumes soil nutrients and moisture, so regular mowing is necessary. During the first few years, an additional 20% nitrogen fertilizer may be required to support grass growth and improve soil quality over time. Young orchards are particularly vulnerable to competition for water and nutrients, so grassing should be limited near the trunk and applied to other areas. Cut grass is then placed under the trees to enrich the soil.
Over time, natural grass cultivation reduces labor and conserves soil, while decomposing grass and roots enhance soil organic matter, activate the soil, balance pH, stimulate root activity, and improve soil structure. It also stabilizes soil temperature, enhances the orchard’s ecological environment, provides habitats for beneficial insects, and helps control pests and diseases. This method increases the supply of organic green manure and lowers production costs. In recent years, Yongchun County has promoted this approach widely. However, grass cultivation can lead to surface soil compaction and reduced aeration, with dense grass roots blocking water infiltration and consuming surface nitrogen, causing citrus roots to float. To address these issues, periodic soil cultivation is essential.
Each soil management method has its pros and cons, and combining them can help minimize disadvantages. As labor costs rise and competition in citrus production intensifies, cultivation techniques are shifting toward less soil-intensive methods. Based on long-term experience and improved practices, mountain orchard management should focus on deep soil excavation, drainage, and planting. Annual deep plowing and soil improvement should be carried out in combination with natural grass cultivation. Topsoil of 15–20 cm should be cultivated each year, with 3–4 annual mowings to cover the tree plate, reducing tillage and improving efficiency. In mature orchards, partial deep burial can be used to maintain deep, fertile soil, promote root development, and sustain water and nutrient retention. Over time, surface soil tillage decreases, helping to conserve water and soil, and increasing organic matter, thus enhancing soil fertility and root activity.
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