Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 246-253 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 250 6 Case Studies 6.1 Shaanxi Zhouzhi base: integration of drip irrigation under mulch with formula fertilization In Zhouzhi, Shaanxi, local fruit farmers used sub-film drip irrigation plus formula fertilization. This method is more energy-saving and efficient than traditional ground irrigation (Figure 2). Compared with the past, the total energy consumption has dropped from 85.4 GJ per hectare to 72.3 GJ, but the output energy has increased from 59.7 GJ to 62.3 GJ. This shows that this approach is more resource-saving and can increase production. The study also found that fertilizers were used a little too much and wasted. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the proportion of mineral fertilizers and use more water-fertilizer combination methods, which is more conducive to sustainable development and can also improve production efficiency (Zhang et al., 2023). Figure 2 Different fertilization methods used in the drip irrigation system of kiwi fruit orchards: (a) drip irrigation + artificial fertilization; (b) drip irrigation + fertigation (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2023) 6.2 Sichuan Pujiang orchard: precision use of organic fertilizer with micro-nutrients The weather in Pujiang, Sichuan is relatively dry. Local fruit farmers tried to use organic fertilizers in the drip irrigation system and combined with trace elements, and the results were very good. They properly controlled the supply of water and fertilizer during the key growth stage of kiwifruit, which made the fruit harder (hardness increased by 15.6%), larger (single fruit weight increased by 9.3%), and the vitamin C content increased by almost 70%. The sugar and soluble solids content also increased, by 17% and 34% respectively. These results show that as long as the water and fertilizer are well managed during the fruit expansion and maturity period, and the right fertilizer is used, the quality of kiwifruit will be greatly improved. 6.3 Zhejiang Huangyan hills: effects of fertigation on improving commercial fruit rate Huangyan, Zhejiang is a hilly area. The local area uses drip irrigation to achieve water and fertilizer integration, that is, fertilizer is delivered at the same time as water is irrigated. This method saves water and labor, and also improves the quality of the fruit. The proportion of A-grade fruit has increased, and the fruit is more durable in storage. This practice not only improves the efficiency of energy and resource utilization, but also drives the commercial output of kiwifruit, which is beneficial to the development of local orchards. 7 Concluding Remarks When growing kiwifruit, if irrigation and fertilization are well matched, the yield and fruit quality can be greatly improved. For example, in the stage when the fruit grows fast, properly controlling the amount of water, using drip irrigation, and adding an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer can not only make the fruit harder, more suitable in sugar-acid ratio, higher in vitamin C, but also increase the yield and water utilization rate. Long-term use of organic fertilizer can also increase the nutrients in the soil and enrich the types of microorganisms, which is very helpful for the long-term development of the orchard. However, if too much water and fertilizer are used, especially nitrogen fertilizer, it may cause waste and pollute the environment.
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