| n this paper,the technique of fertilizer application in deep ditches was adopted in dryland apple orchard, and its effects on the soil physical properties, soil moisture, soil nutrient, development of trees and yield were studied. Compared with CK(fertilizing at the depth of 20~30 cm), the deep-ditch fertilizing (fertilizing at the depth of 40~60 cm) could improved the soil ecological conditions. At the profile of 4080 cm, the deep-ditch fertilizing reduced the soil bulk density by 6.1%16.0%, and increased the soil porosity by 23.0%~41.5%. The soil organic matter in the depth of 40~60 cm, the available nitrogen in the depth of 40~80 cm and the available phosphorus in the depth of 0~100 cm were increased by 15.1%, 21.9%~28.3% and 41.3%, respectively. The average soil moisture in the depth of 0100cm was 4.3% higher than CK in dry season, 3.9% higher in rainy season. The deep-ditch fertilizing accelerated the growth of new shoots and increased the absorption roots significantly. The length and the volume of absorption roots were 2.7 times and 1.8 times of CK respectively. Under the treatment of deep-ditch fertilizing, the yield and economic effect of individual tree was increased by 20.8% and 24.0% respectively. These results suggested that the deep-ditch fertilizing was an effective approach for soil water and fertility management in dryland apple orchards. |