After a flood in the orchard, it's crucial to drain the water as soon as possible. Clear the drainage channels promptly and remove any mud within 1 meter around the tree base to ensure the tree can continue its normal respiration. In cases of severe flooding, prune the tree by removing excess leaves and fruits, especially if the orchard has deciduous fruit trees. For trees that are heavily flooded and cannot be cleaned quickly, dig trenches around them to lower the groundwater level and prevent root damage.
Dry the roots and surrounding soil to speed up evaporation. After three consecutive sunny days, cover the soil with mulch to retain moisture. Whitewash the exposed trunks and branches using a 1:10 lime water solution, and wrap them with rice or wheat straw to protect against sunscald and cracking.
When the soil is dry enough, cultivate the topsoil to improve aeration and structure. Increase the cultivation depth appropriately, break up clods, and cultivate the soil 1–2 times. Once the top layer dries, plow the field. For dry land, aim for a cultivation depth of 25–30 cm; for irrigated fields, keep it at 20–25 cm.
Apply 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate after foliar feeding to boost plant health and recovery.
For fertilization, apply organic and soil-based basal fertilizers early when the soil is still moist. This helps the roots absorb nutrients more effectively. After the orchard recovers from flooding, focus on deep-root development before applying base fertilizer. It’s best to do this between September and October.
Pest control is also important. Immediately spray insecticides after rain to prevent the spread of diseases. Use high-efficiency bactericides like 70% thiophanate-methyl diluted 1000 times to stop bacterial growth. Pay special attention to bagged pears and apple orchards, especially those affected by black spot disease or pests. Cut ventilation holes in the bottom of large bags and remove them as needed to improve air circulation.
For pre-harvest management, remove some leaves and fruits to promote even ripening. If conditions allow, use reflective films to enhance fruit coloration and quality.
Timely harvesting is essential. Orchards that have been flooded for a long time should be harvested earlier. Lightly damaged orchards should be picked in stages. Avoid harvesting late-maturing varieties too early, as this could lead to oversupply and falling fruit prices. Plan your harvest carefully to maintain market stability.