How to protect fruit trees from water logging?

Nowadays, Bihar is receiving a lot of rainfall due to the monsoon being active in the month of September, due to which stages like water logging have developed in gardens, due to which mangoes and litchi trees are drying up. It is important to prevent fruit trees from waterlogging conditions and to ensure their healthy growth and productivity. Waterlogging occurs when the soil is saturated with water, causing oxygen deficiency in the root area, which is harmful to fruit trees. Various strategies and remedies that can be adopted to protect fruit trees from waterlogging are as follows.

Various strategies and remedies to protect against waterlogging are as follows

1. Site selection and soil preparation

Choosing the right place for planting fruit trees is the first and most important step towards preventing waterlogging. Choose a place with good drainage soil and good slope so that excess water can flow. Test the soil to determine its drainage capacity and structure.

Also read: Kharif crops will now be cultivated in water logging areas, Agriculture Minister assured to farmers

2. Select the appropriate fruit tree

Select varieties of fruit trees that are suitable for your soil and climatic conditions. Some fruit trees are more tolerant of wet soil than others. For guidance to the best varieties for your region, consult by contacting local nursery or extension workers related to agriculture.

3. High bed

By making high beds or mounds, the root area of fruit trees can be raised above the water level. It helps in improving drainage and prevents waterlogging. The beds should be well built and at enough distances.

4. Manage drainage

It is important to install an effective drainage system in areas probable of waterlogging. This may include digging trenches, installing drainage pipes, or building marshes to remove excess water from the root area of the tree.

5. Mulching

Apply a layer of organic wet grass around the base of the fruit trees. Wet grass helps maintain moisture and prevents soil erosion, but it should not be too thick to prevent excess moisture from trapping.

Also read: Rajasthan government is providing a good subsidy for the cultivation of elephant grass

6. Proper irrigation

Take care of irrigation methods, especially in areas with high water levels. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to transport water directly to the root area, avoid excessive water on the surface that can increase waterlogging.

7. Pruning and Canopy Management

Sorting of fruit trees improves air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases associated with waterlogging conditions. Proper umbrella management also helps in maintaining the overall health of the tree.

Also read: Learn what is the importance of harvesting and pruning, how to take care of plants

8. Selection of suitable rootstocks

Choose a rootstock that suits your soil conditions. Some rootstocks have better tolerance to waterlogging, which improves the overall health and flexibility of the tree.

9. Soil aeration

To ensure that oxygen reaches the root area, regularly air the soil. You can use devices such as spad or soil aircraft to make holes in the ground, allowing air to enter the root area.

10. Soil amendment

To improve its composition and drainage capabilities, add organic materials such as manure or well rotted manure to the soil. This also increases soil's ability to maintain nutrients.

11. Monitoring and early detection

Monitor your fruit trees regularly for symptoms of stress or waterlogging. Early detection of water logging helps in quick intervention and managing it properly.

12. Contingency plans

Also develop a casual plan for extreme weather incidents such as heavy rainfall or floods. This includes temporary measures such as construction of barriers to extract excess water or using pumps.

13. Pest and Disease Management

The condition of waterlogging increases sensitivity to pests and diseases in fruit trees. Use integrated disease pest management measures to protect your trees.

Also read: Know what are the differences between pest control and pest management

14. Consider sustainable agricultural practices

To improve soil health and reduce the risk of waterlogging, consider sustainable agricultural practices such as cover crop and crop cycle.

15. Professional advice

Consult local agricultural dissemination expansion services, horticulture experts who specialise in dealing with waterlogging in your specific field.

Ultimately, it can be said that to protect fruit trees from waterlogging, active measures, proper plans and careful maintenance are required. By applying these strategies, you can increase the health and productivity of your fruit trees, reducing the risk of problems related to waterlogging. Remember that local conditions and tree species affect the specific approach you adopted, so always consult your situation.

Water logged