In the northern regions, especially in areas where early spring winds are common, the phenomenon of "pumping" can occur. Almond trees do not have a natural dormancy period for their roots. While some varieties can tolerate low temperatures as low as -18°C, dry and windy conditions with temperatures below -10°C may still happen. When the water content in the shoots drops to 35%, pumping occurs, often affecting shoots that are 2 to 3 years old, which can significantly impact tree growth and yield.
To prevent this issue, the following technical measures are commonly applied:
1. **Establish shelterbelts** to create a favorable growing environment. These windbreaks not only protect against cold and wind but also help raise orchard temperature and humidity, improving overall conditions and reducing the risk of pumping.
2. **Improve the microclimate** by constructing semi-enclosed walls on the north side of the orchard using insulating materials like soil or straw. This helps reduce transpiration during winter and spring, enhances root water absorption, and increases the temperature around the roots, thereby shortening the freezing period.
3. **Optimize the planting environment** by digging large planting holes (80 cm wide and deep) and filling them with plenty of organic matter and base fertilizer. This creates an ideal root environment. Additionally, applying balanced fertilizers, especially phosphorus and potassium, every autumn helps strengthen the tree's resistance to pumping.
4. **Promote strong tree development** by spraying potassium dihydrogen phosphate (300 times dilution) 2–3 times in the 30–45 days before leaf fall. This increases the bound water in the tree, effectively reducing the rate of pumping.
5. **Prune appropriately during summer** to control excessive branch growth. Especially in late summer and early autumn, removing vigorous shoots can limit late-season growth and reduce the risk of pumping by over 30%.
6. **Apply anti-transpiration agents** to the branches. The author has developed a specialized twig anti-pumping agent that, when used on almond trees, can prevent pumping in more than 98% of cases.
These methods, when combined, offer a comprehensive approach to managing the challenges of early spring pumping, ensuring healthier and more productive almond trees.
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