Branch Growth, Leaf Canopies and Photosynthetic Responses of <i>Zizyphus jujube</i> cv. “Huizao” to Nutrient Addition in the Arid Areas of Northwest China

Abstract

Jujube is one of the main tree species found in the arid areas of Xinjiang, China. However, the nutritional requirements of central leader jujube trees are not understood. Our aim was to explore the effects of different fertilization gradients on the growth, development, and canopy formation of jujube trees to provide a basis for efficient cultivation. We measured and compared various suitable indices of jujube trees under 16 different fertilization treatments, and we confirmed the treatments suitable for cultivation by correlation and principal component analyses. The jujube tree growth indices under different fertilization treatments significantly differed (p p p p 2O5 460.77 g/tree, and K2O 588.23 g/tree) performed better. To ensure branch and leaf growth, this treatment promoted photosynthesis, enabling the growth and development of fruit trees.

Keywords

• branch growth
• canopy characteristics
• photosynthetic traits
• SPAD value
• jujube
• arid region