Jujube trees, relatively drought-tolerant fruit trees, are often overlooked for the importance of watering. However, water plays a crucial role in the growth of jujube trees, especially during flowering and fruit development stages. Adequate watering is essential to improve the quality and yield of jujube fruits. So, what are the key points for watering jujube trees? Let's find out.
Methods for Assessing Jujube Tree Water Deficiency
Prior to watering jujube trees, it's crucial to know when to water and when not to. Therefore, understanding how to determine if a jujube tree lacks water is essential. Typically, the soil moisture content determines whether a jujube tree lacks water. When the soil moisture content reaches 60%-80% of field capacity, it's the optimal condition for jujube tree growth. If it's higher, drainage is needed, while if it's lower, watering is required.
Timing for Watering Jujube Trees
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For Sprouting: Jujube trees sprout late and grow rapidly, requiring ample water. It's generally recommended to water them deeply in early April along with fertilization.
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For Flowering: Jujube trees usually flower in late to mid-May when temperatures are high and evaporation rates are high. Watering at this time aids in pollen germination. If the air is dry during flowering, spraying the canopy with water in the evening or combining it with foliar spraying of 0.2%-0.3% boron fertilizer can yield better results.
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For Fruit Promotion: From the time of flower drop to the rapid growth of young fruits, jujube trees require a large amount of water. If the rainy season hasn't arrived and the soil is often dry, a deep watering combined with additional fertilization can be applied.
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For Cold Protection: Watering with freeze-proof water once before winter, usually in late November, can enhance the cold resistance of jujube trees.
Methods of Watering Jujube Trees
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Trench Irrigation: Digging trenches 30 cm deep and 40 cm wide between tree rows or around the canopy, with the length of the trench determined by the length of the jujube tree rows. Then, water is applied in the trenches, and the trenches are promptly filled in after watering.
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Water Storage Pit Irrigation: Digging 4-8 water storage pits, each 50 cm square, around the canopy. Fill the pits with branches, grass, or straw mixed with some organic fertilizer. After watering, fill the pits with soil, cover them with plastic film, make a small hole (5-6 cm in diameter) in the center of the film, and water again through this hole.
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Equipment Irrigation: Common equipment includes drip irrigation, which slowly drips water around the root zone using water pipes and drip heads; sprinkler irrigation, which sprays water in the orchard through mechanical pressure via pipelines and nozzles; and seepage irrigation, which involves installing seepage devices in the tree basin to complete irrigation.
In summary, although jujube trees are drought-tolerant, it doesn't mean they don't need water. On the contrary, proper watering can promote tree growth and achieve the goal of high-quality and high-yield production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1: What is the best time to water jujube trees?
Answer: The best time to water jujube trees depends on their growth stage. For sprouting, it's recommended to water them in early April. During flowering, watering in late to mid-May is beneficial. From flower drop to rapid fruit growth, jujube trees need water, especially if it hasn't rained. Additionally, watering with freeze-proof water in late November helps enhance cold resistance.
Question 2: How can I tell if my jujube tree needs water?
Answer: You can assess if your jujube tree needs water by checking the soil moisture content. If the soil moisture content is between 60%-80% of field capacity, it's in the optimal condition for growth. If it's higher, drainage is needed, and if it's lower, watering is required.
Question 3: What are the methods of watering jujube trees?
Answer: There are several methods of watering jujube trees, including trench irrigation, water storage pit irrigation, and equipment irrigation (such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and seepage irrigation).
Question 4: How can watering jujube trees improve fruit quality and yield?
Answer: Adequate watering during flowering and fruit development stages is crucial for jujube trees. It helps in pollen germination, promotes fruit growth, and ultimately improves fruit quality and yield.
Question 5: Are jujube trees drought-tolerant?
Answer: Yes, jujube trees are relatively drought-tolerant. However, they still require water, especially during critical growth stages, to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
