Crabapples, also known as hawthorn fruits or Chinese hawthorn, besides being consumed fresh, can also be used to make wine, preserves, jams, and possess certain medicinal value. In recent years, there has been a growing number of farmers cultivating crabapple trees. Below are the key points for managing a crabapple orchard.
Weeding and Loose Soil
During the vigorous growth period of crabapple trees from June to July, various weeds also thrive. It's essential to weed thoroughly during this time to prevent the weeds from competing with crabapple trees for nutrients, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Weeding also helps loosen the soil, improving ventilation, water retention, and nutrient absorption by the tree roots, facilitating better growth.
Water and Fertilizer Management
Crabapple trees have high water and fertilizer requirements. When fertilizing, use organic fertilizers if possible. Dig trenches around the tree trunk, about 25-35 centimeters deep, and apply an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer. Adjust the fertilizer application according to the growth status of the crabapple trees, primarily using organic and compound fertilizers. Minimize the use of chemical fertilizers to avoid soil degradation, which may affect tree growth. Proper water management, based on tree and soil conditions, is also crucial. During prolonged hot and dry weather, timely irrigation is necessary. However, excessive watering should be avoided to prevent waterlogging, which could hinder root respiration and nutrient absorption. Excess water accumulation in the orchard should be promptly drained.
Interplanting
Crabapple trees have relatively sparse planting density due to their large size. Excessive planting density can affect growth. Therefore, interplanting with economically valuable crops such as blueberries or strawberries is advisable. However, careful management of interplanted crops is essential, mainly focusing on weeding and fertilizing. Avoid planting tall crops that may shade the crabapple trees, competing for nutrients. If this occurs, promptly remove the interfering plants.
Disease and Pest Control
After harvesting crabapple fruits, thorough orchard cleaning should be conducted, removing diseased plants, leaves, branches, and fallen fruits. Regular disinfection of the entire orchard is necessary, coupled with timely observation for signs and symptoms of diseases or pests. In case of disease occurrence, affected parts should be pruned to prevent pathogen spread. Subsequently, a thorough examination of the situation should be carried out to implement appropriate control measures, aiming to minimize the presence of pathogens and effectively reduce disease incidence.
These are the key points for managing a crabapple orchard. Crabapple trees are resilient to drought, saline-alkaline soils, and poor fertility, exhibiting strong adaptability. Farmers can master these orchard management techniques to achieve high and stable yields.
