Drip irrigation can create soil conditions with uniform humidity and good air permeability, directly transport water and nutrients to crop roots, and reduce fertilizer and water consumption while increasing production. Therefore, drip irrigation is the most cost-effective irrigation method in citrus cultivation.
Citrus, the fruit of Citrus crops of the Rutaceae Citrus subfamily, the temperature requirements of citrus vary with species and varieties. Citrus likes warmth and is not cold-resistant. It is generally believed that citrus begins to dormant when the temperature is lower than 12.8°C. If the annual average temperature and accumulated temperature are insufficient, the normal growth and fruiting of citrus will be affected. If the daily average temperature exceeds 35°C, the fruits and shoots will be easily burned, which will affect the results of the current year or the next year.
The growth and development of citrus requires a relatively humid environment, and the water consumption is 800-1200 mm. The growth results of citrus are suitable for the relative soil moisture content of 60-80% and the relative air humidity of 45%-85%.
The root system of citrus is shallow, about 80% of the root system is within 30 cm of the soil surface; about 90% of the root system is within 50 cm of the soil surface. The root spread is large, which is similar to the crown coverage area of the aboveground part. Therefore, when laying drip irrigation pipes, one drip irrigation pipe per row for 1-3 young plants; two drip irrigation pipes per row for mature plants over 3 years old.
Regarding fertilization, it is best to fertilize 2-4 times a month. Divide all fertilizers for the corresponding growth period into the planned irrigation operations.
Start fertilization after the pressure of the irrigation system is fully stable, and stop after 45 minutes of irrigation water in the system after fertilization.When it rains, irrigation can be stopped once, but fertilization cannot be stopped. Fertigation can be carried out with high-concentration fertilizers and a small amount of water.Citrus is not too demanding on soil acid-base conditions, and generally can be planted with a pH between 8-8.5.
