Planting a Citrus Orchard
Soil Preparation
The
soil of the future orchard should have its pH corrected to values between
5,5 and 5,8, and base saturation corrected to values around 60%, down to 16 inches depth. Close
attention must be given to levels of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and
micronutrients. Corrective applications of these elements are recommended.
Fertilizer should be incorporated down to 16 inches depth, preferably to the
entire area. The operation is expensive and requires special machinery but the benefits
outweigh the costs. At least a band of 4 feet including the line of plants
should be treated this way. Erosion must be prevented through terraces and
other measures.
Spacing
(Preliminary suggestions; 1 meter
variation between rows and 0.5 meter between plants are common)
Spacing in Meters
|
Varieties
|
Rootstocks
|
|
More Vigorous
|
Less Vigorous
|
Oranges
|
|
|
|
Pera, Folha Murcha, Lima Verde, Lima Sorocaba |
7,0 X 3,0 |
6,5 X 2,75 |
|
Other varieties |
7,5 x 3,75 |
7,0 x 3,0 |
Tangerines
|
|
|
|
All varieties |
7,0 x 3,0 |
6,5 x 2,75 |
Lemons and Limes
|
|
|
|
Tahiti and limes |
8,0 x 4,0 |
7,0 x 3,5 |
|
True lemons |
8,5 x 4,0 |
7,5 x 3,5 |
Observation :
Rich soils, virgin areas, and
irrigated orchards require larger spacing. Areas where citrus was
preciously grown allow for closer spacing.
Planting Alignment
Citrus
should be planted in blocks of 2,000 to 4,000 trees but larger numbers are not
uncommon. Planting alignments that can be used are straight lines and
contour lines. It is advisable to consult with experienced growers or
technicians for the details of each method. Following is a comparison table
between the methods.
Comparison between planting methods
|
Method
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
Straight lines
|
Better cultural management
Better administrative
management
More trees per unit area
More efficiency in the cultural
practices
Easier irrigation |
More expensive
Tree rows run across terraces
Orchard transit runs across
terraces
Intercropping more difficult
Greater equipment wear
Erosion control more difficult
Limited to 8% slope |
Contour lines
|
Simple and cheaper
Easier intercropping
Easier erosion control
Not limited to 8% slopes |
Less efficient cultural
management
Less efficient administrative
management
Less trees per unit area
More difficulty with irrigation |
|