Drip irrigation pipe drip irrigation
Scientific and reasonable irrigation is a key factor for the healthy growth of apple trees and the production of high-quality fruit. By optimizing apple tree irrigation strategies, water resource utilization efficiency can be effectively improved, disease risk reduced, and ultimately, both apple yield and quality can be enhanced.
The growth cycle of apple trees usually lasts one year (depending on the variety), including the budding period, growth period, maturity period, and dormancy period. During the budding period, apple trees begin to grow new buds and leaves. During the growth period, the growth rate of apple trees is very fast, with new buds and leaves continuously growing. During the maturity period, the fruit of the apple tree begins to mature, becoming sweeter and more delicious. In the dormancy period, the growth of the apple tree stops, and the tree enters a dormant state. Different stages of growth require different management and care to ensure the health and yield of the apple tree.
| Growth Stage | Budding Stage | Flowering Period | Fruit Expansion Period | Fruit Maturity Period | Dormancy Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth duration | Approximately 2–3 weeks | About 1–2 weeks | Approximately 8–12 weeks | About 4–6 weeks | From leaf fall to before budding |
| Irrigation flow rate | 5–10 liters/hour/tree | 10–15 liters/hour/tree | 15–25 liters/hour/tree | 10–20 liters/hour/tree | Depends on weather conditions, usually stop irrigation |
| Irrigation frequency | 1–2 times per week | Twice a week | 2–3 times a week | 1–2 times per week | – |
| Irrigation method | Drip irrigation. At this stage, the water demand is relatively low. The main purpose is to keep the soil moist, promote germination and the growth of new roots, and avoid excessive irrigation that leads to soil compaction and root oxygen deficiency. |
Drip irrigation. At this stage, the water demand increases, and a stable water supply is crucial. Excessive water may cause flower drop, so the irrigation amount should be adjusted appropriately based on soil moisture. |
Sprinkler irrigation. This stage has the highest water demand. Adequate water supply is necessary to promote fruit expansion. To prevent fruit cracking, it is also important to avoid root diseases caused by overly wet soil. |
Drip irrigation. At this stage, the water demand begins to decrease. Reducing the amount of irrigation appropriately can help increase the sugar content of the fruit. Over-irrigation may lead to a decline in fruit quality and cracking issues. |
Neither irrigation nor drip irrigation. At this stage, the water demand of apple trees is not high. Generally, irrigation is not necessary unless the soil is too dry or in extreme drought conditions. |
Additionally, during drought or high temperatures, supplemental irrigation can be applied to apple trees, with the irrigation flow temporarily increased to 25–30 liters/hour/tree. To prevent the plants from being stressed by drought or high temperatures, the irrigation flow and frequency can be appropriately increased. However, avoid large amounts of water in a short period to prevent root damage or fruit cracking.
Drip irrigation pipe drip irrigation
| Irrigation Method | Water Resource Utilization Rate | Coverage Area | Disease Control | Capital Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drip irrigation | Higher | Smaller | Stronger | Larger |
| Sprinkler irrigation | Lower | Larger | Weaker | Smaller |
Drip irrigation is more suitable for orchards requiring efficient water use, precise management, and disease control, especially for high-value apple varieties or in areas with scarce water resources.
Sprinkler irrigation is more suitable for orchards that require large area coverage, have complex terrain, or need cooling.
The specific choice of irrigation method should be comprehensively considered based on the orchard's geographical conditions, water resources, and economic costs. For some orchards, a combination of both methods may be used, flexibly applying drip and sprinkler irrigation in different areas or at different growth stages.
Drip and sprinkler irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation
