Effects of water and fertilizer coupling on growth and development of Chinese dwarf cherry (Cerasus humilis) and evaluation of water and fertilizer use efficiency

Introduction In recent years, the demand for high-nutrition fruits has increased. As a unique fruit tree in China, Cerasus humilis has both ecological and nutritional value. Water and fertilizer nutrition is closely related to plant growth and development. Methods In this study, ‘ Nongda No.6 ‘ Cerasus humilis was used as a test material to carry out a field drip fertigation experiment to study the comprehensive effects of water and fertilizer coupling regulation on the growth, photosynthesis, yield, quality and water and fertilizer use efficiency of Cerasus humilis , and a water and fertilizer coupling control scheme suitable for the region was proposed. The irrigation amount was set at three levels: W1 (60%FC), W2 (70%FC) and W3 (80%FC). The amount of compound fertilizer was set at three levels, F1(66kg/667m 2 ), F2(99kg/667m 2 ), F3(132kg/667m 2 ), a total of 9 treatments. Results and discussion The results showed that under the combination of irrigation amount of W2(70%FC) and fertilization amount of F2(99kg/667m 2 ), the growth effect of Cerasus humilis was better, and the net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate of leaves were at a better level during the whole growth period. In addition, the fruit yield of Cerasus humilis under W2F2 treatment was the highest, reaching the highest value of 1109kg/667m 2 , and the fruit quality was ideal, the contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein were 7.14% and 4.25 mg/g, the vitamin C content and solid acid ratio (soluble solids/titratable acid) reached the maximum under W2F3 treatment. The IWUE and PFP of Cerasus humilis under W2F2 treatment were also at a better level, which were 6.14kg/mm·667m² and 11.21, respectively. The results of comprehensive analysis showed that although W2F3 had advantages in vitamin C content and solid acid ratio, W2F2 provided the best comprehensive balance between yield, soluble sugar, soluble protein and water and fertilizer use efficiency. In summary, W2F2 with the best comprehensive performance is recommended as a water and fertilizer management scheme for efficient production of Cerasus humilis .