In order to maximize the use of limited greenhouse space and improve economic returns, many regions have adopted intercropping systems involving citrons and other crops. This practice not only optimizes land use but also enhances productivity and profitability. Several successful intercropping models have been developed:
1. **Toona sinensis - Water Radish - Cucumber Intercropping**
Using 1-2 year-old dwarf citron seedlings, spaced 50 cm apart with a planting distance of 10-15 cm, this system is ideal for efficient land utilization. In mid to late December, cucumber seedlings are planted in the middle of the greenhouse. After harvesting the first batch of musk sprouts in mid-February, the cucumbers are transplanted to another section, and two rows of radishes are sown between the citron rows. By early April, the water radishes are harvested, followed by soil fertilization and the planting of large cucumber seedlings. These seedlings act as supports for the cucumbers, enhancing their growth and management. By mid-May, all three crops—citrons, cucumbers, and radishes—are harvested until the end of June. When the citron plants are pruned, the cucumber vines are removed. This method yields about 500 kg of alfalfa sprouts, 4,500 kg of carrots, and 4,000–4,500 kg of cucumbers per 1,000 square meters, delivering strong economic returns.
2. **Toona sinensis - Edible Fungi Intercropping**
Edible fungi are cultivated in shaded areas along the east and west gables of the greenhouse and in the north-facing sections where direct sunlight is absent. This approach makes full use of unused space and energy. During the day, citron trees perform photosynthesis, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while the fungi undergo respiration, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. This creates a balanced ecological environment that benefits both the trees and the fungi, boosting overall yield and making it highly suitable for widespread adoption.
3. **Toona sinensis - Tomato (Cucumber, Zucchini) Intercropping**
Citron trees are intercropped with tomatoes, cucumbers, or zucchini. A 1.1-meter wide flat bed is used for citrus, with 0.8–1.0-meter wide sorghum rows for tomatoes, spaced 0.5 meters apart with 0.3 meters between plants. For cucumbers, a 1.1-meter wide bed is used with 0.7-meter wide sorghum rows, spaced 0.5 m apart and 0.3 m within rows. Cucumbers are nursed from mid-December and transplanted in mid-February of the following year. For zucchini, a single row is planted at 1 meter width with 0.4–0.6 meters spacing. Zucchini should be started in advance and transplanted 5–7 days after the main crop is established.
4. **Shannon, Glutinous Rice, Vegetable, Greenhouse, Green Tea, Pods, Buds, Harvesting, Planting**
In mid-March, seedlings are prepared, and warming begins in early April before transplanting to nurseries. Once the seedlings are ready, the soil is fertilized, and tomatoes, green peppers, or eggplants are planted. To ensure an earlier harvest, these crops can be transplanted using large seedlings grown in nutrient-rich soil blocks or compost.
This diverse range of intercropping techniques demonstrates how smart agricultural planning can significantly boost productivity and sustainability in greenhouse farming.
Solar Camera,Wireless Solar Outdoor Monitoring,Night Vision Solar Camera,Solar Security Camera
Shenzhen Zuomi Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.bkvis.com