Sweet cherry, also known as Prunus avium or wild cherry, is a tree species that bears fruit earliest after Chinese cherry. Its fruits are colorful, delicious, nutritious, and mature early. Below are some key points for planting and managing sweet cherry trees.
Key Points for Planting and Management of Sweet Cherry Trees
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Soil Selection: Sweet cherries thrive in deep, loose, well-drained sandy soils. Poor soil drainage and soil compaction can result in weak tree growth and shallow root distribution.
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Deep Plowing: In the dry spring of northern regions, deep plowing is essential for successful cherry cultivation. Rainy seasons are ideal for deep plowing. High temperatures promote organic matter decomposition, facilitating rapid root growth when cherry seeds are placed in pre-dug holes.
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Cultivation and Loosening: Since sweet cherry roots are shallow, cultivating and loosening the soil, especially after rainfall, promotes drainage, provides adequate nutrients, and enhances root respiration.
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Mulching: Mulching around sweet cherry trees helps retain moisture, improve insulation, and protect against winter cold.
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Temperature Management: Sweet cherries have strict temperature requirements throughout their growth stages. Bud damage occurs at temperatures between -5.5°C to -1.7°C during the bud stage and between -2.8°C to -1.1°C during flowering and fruit setting stages. Sudden temperature drops can cause severe damage, with 96%-98% of flower buds affected, while gradual cooling results in only 3%-5% bud damage. The freezing degree of sweet cherries is directly related to the nutrient storage content in the trees.
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Water Management: Sweet cherries have high water requirements. Watering should be adjusted based on soil moisture and weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, reducing oxygen availability in the soil and causing root rot.
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Pest and Disease Management: Pest and disease management should begin from the seeding stage. Regular observation of cherry tree conditions, thorough analysis of causes, and scientifically sound pesticide application are essential for effective pest and disease control.
