Pruning and Fertilizer Management of Hong Ling Walnut Trees
Liang Hongjun, Jia Zhihua
Hebei Green Ridge Fruit Industry Co., Ltd. 054300
In recent years, dried fruits have gained increasing popularity among consumers. Among the four major dried fruits, walnuts are the most favored due to their rich nutritional content and unique taste. With changing market demands, walnut production has gradually become more large-scale and standardized. Over the past seven years since the company was established, we have accumulated practical experience in walnut cultivation, developing effective pruning techniques and corresponding fertilizer and water management methods. After three years of observation and experimentation, we found that this method is simple, efficient, and significantly improves fruit yield, quality, and stability compared to traditional practices. Traditional pruning methods for walnuts typically include thinning, long-cutting, and short-cutting. While these methods have helped increase walnut yields and profits, they can also cause problems. Due to the natural "injurious flow" characteristic of walnut trees, excessive pruning can lead to significant nutrient loss. In summer, excessive growth can cause canopy closure, poor air circulation, and reduced light penetration, which negatively affects fruit development. This often requires multiple prunings, increasing the number of wounds and potentially hindering tree growth. In contrast, long branch pruning reduces the amount of pruning and minimizes nutrient loss. Here, we introduce our current pruning techniques and related fertilizer and water management strategies: 1. Newly Planted Walnut Trees 1) Fertilization New walnut trees have a small and shallow root system, making them sensitive to drought. Therefore, it's crucial to focus on strengthening fertilization and irrigation. From April to June, nitrogen fertilizer is primarily applied with potassium fertilizer. From July to August, nitrogen is reduced, and potassium top-dressing is used instead. Urea foliar spray is also applied in July. The principle is to apply fertilizer in small quantities and at fewer intervals. Fertilization occurs 3-4 times, typically in early April, mid-May, mid-June, and early July. In May, about 0.2kg of nitrogen fertilizer is applied, while the total for April and June is similar. Potassium fertilizer is applied at around 0.1kg in July. Watering should be done along with fertilization, and care must be taken in May to avoid dry hot winds and prevent leaf scorching. At the end of August, strip-shaped base fertilizer trenches are dug along the seedling rows. The trenches are 40 cm wide, 30 cm deep, and 50 cm apart. Five kilograms of chicken manure and 1.5 kg of phosphate fertilizer are added. After fertilizing, water once and cover the soil before freezing. 2) Pruning After the shoots spread out, all new shoots below 40 cm from the main trunk should be removed, leaving 4-5 shoots. In June, light pruning is performed on the second tip to encourage full shoot development. Remove dense branches, weak branches, small branches, and short branches (less than 10 cm). In winter, cut back the main branches, leaving 25-30 cm of branches over 30 cm in length. 2. One-Year-Old Trees 1) Fertilization Topdressing timing and amounts are adjusted: early April (0.5 kg urea, 0.25 kg potassium sulfate), mid-May (0.25 kg compound fertilizer of urea and potassium sulfate), and mid-June (0.15 kg potassium sulfate compound fertilizer). Base fertilizer is applied on the opposite side of last year’s trench, along the edge of the canopy, moving outward as the crown expands. The quantity is similar to newly planted trees. Watering should preferably use water-saving methods like drip irrigation or micro-tube injection. Ground watering increases the frequency, while reducing the amount per session to meet the tree's needs. Watering should be combined with fertilization. 2) Pruning Although saplings may start bearing fruit, it's best to remove them to allow the tree to focus on nutrient supply and shoot growth. In summer, remove any unused branches—those that are dense, diseased, insect-infested, weak, or short. In June, pick 3-4 buds to leave space for selecting the next branch. 3. Three-Year-Old Trees 1) Fertilizer and Water During this period, walnuts enter the early fruiting stage, so fertilizer application should be increased. Topdressing amounts include 1.25 kg urea and 0.5 kg potassium sulfate compound fertilizer. Adjust the amount based on the tree's age and growth. Apply chicken manure at 10 kg and superphosphate at 2 kg in the same year. 4. Trees Over Four Years 1) Fertilizer and Water Management For mature trees, the focus shifts to maintaining productivity and fruit quality. Fertilizer application should be carefully timed and adjusted according to tree health and environmental conditions. Regular monitoring of soil nutrients and moisture levels helps optimize management. Drip irrigation systems are highly recommended to ensure even water distribution and reduce waste. Pruning should continue to maintain an open canopy structure, promoting good air circulation and light penetration. Remove any dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches to encourage healthy growth and maximize fruit production. Additionally, applying organic compost annually helps improve soil fertility and support long-term tree health. By combining proper pruning with balanced fertilization and efficient irrigation, walnut growers can achieve consistent yields and high-quality harvests.Other Medical Implant,Cannulated Cancellous Screw,Cortical Bone Screw,Locking Plate Screw
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