A method for orchard grass growing based on water and fertilizer independent supply system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of modern agricultural ecological engineering, and particularly relates to a method for growing grass in orchard based on water and fertilizer independent supply system, which has the technical scheme that: independent supply stations are arranged between rows of fruit trees, specific creeping and vine plants are planted by using soilless water culture or substrate culture, and a set of living ground cover network completely decoupled from the soil water and fertilizer system of the fruit trees is constructed; the method completely eliminates the water and fertilizer competition between the cover plants and the fruit trees, and realizes zero-competition grass growing; by adding systemic pesticides into the supply stations and using the selected plants having the feeding characteristics for specific pests, the cover layer has the functions of killing and preventing and controlling pests, and forms an integrated ecological barrier of cover-prevention and control; the present application realizes the water and fertilizer independent supply and functional design of the grass growing system, and is an orchard ecological innovative technology with strong universality and simple management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of modern agricultural ecological engineering technology, and in particular to a method for orchard grass cover based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system. Background Technology

[0002] Building a healthy, stable, and sustainable orchard ecosystem is one of the core goals of modern agricultural development. Orchard cover cropping, as a key practice mimicking the surface structure of natural ecosystems, has had its ecological value widely proven, including water and soil conservation, soil fertility enhancement, microclimate regulation, biodiversity promotion, and optimization of the orchard working environment.

[0003] Currently, the main method used is the cover cropping system, represented by clover and sedge. However, this system faces challenges such as competition for water and fertilizer, especially in core tropical and subtropical production areas, such as Hainan Island in China, the dry-hot valleys of Yunnan, and similar climate zones in Southeast Asia. Traditional soil cover cropping systems face fundamental contradictions and implementation bottlenecks determined by the climate characteristics. The most prominent feature of this climate is the distinct dry and rainy seasons, with the dry season lasting 5-7 months, characterized by scarce rainfall and high evaporation. This directly leads to the inability of shallow-rooted grasses to survive, while deep-rooted grasses, such as stylosus, fiercely compete with fruit trees for water and fertilizer in the deeper soil layers during the dry season, creating a "cover cropping harms the trees" dilemma. Furthermore, in northern temperate and cold-temperate orchards, although annual rainfall is relatively even, seasonal droughts still exist. Traditional cover crops in the north also cannot avoid competition for water and fertilizer with fruit trees during their peak growing season. In water-scarce areas such as the Loess Plateau, the competition for water and fertilizer is particularly acute.

[0004] Whether in the south or the north, the prevalence of pests and diseases in orchards complicates ecological management. Under traditional clean cultivation, bare soil surfaces are prone to the spread of soil-borne diseases through rain splash, while ground cover is also considered a potential habitat for pests. Traditional ground cover plants have limited functions and lack the ability to actively intervene in pest control; their management, such as frequent mowing, also increases labor costs. Dense grass can also hinder mechanized operations and raise safety concerns in some areas.

[0005] Current technological improvements for orchard cover cropping mainly focus on selecting more drought- or cold-resistant grass species combinations and optimizing sowing and mowing systems. These are all minor adjustments within the "soil planting" paradigm and fail to fundamentally resolve the core contradiction that "cover crop growth inevitably consumes orchard soil water and fertilizer."

[0006] In view of this, we propose an orchard cover cropping method based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system to solve the existing problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for orchard cover cropping based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for orchard cover cropping based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system. The independent water and fertilizer supply system is a general-purpose platform composed of physical facilities, biological components, and management strategies. It adopts an off-soil cultivation mode, a distributed supply station network, and expandable functional modules to realize orchard cover cropping. For the off-soil cultivation mode, plants are cultivated using substrate culture or hydroponics. For the distributed supply station network, independent supply units are arranged at certain intervals between fruit tree rows, and each supply unit is equipped with a water and fertilizer supply system. For the expandable functional modules, systemic agents are added to the water and fertilizer solution in the supply stations to enable the cover plants to attract and kill toxins.

[0009] Furthermore, the hydroponic cultivation method includes the following steps:

[0010] A1. Constructing a nutrient solution system: Fill containers containing essential nutrients for plants with nutrient solution, which will serve as the supply station.

[0011] A2. Planting and Root Management: Plant the selected cover plants on planting boards or fixed objects, so that their roots are immersed in or partially in contact with the circulating nutrient solution.

[0012] A3. Maintain the hydroponic environment: Regularly monitor and replenish the nutrient solution consumption, maintain the conductivity and pH value of the nutrient solution within a suitable range, or replace the nutrient solution periodically to ensure that the plants continuously receive water and nutrients.

[0013] Furthermore, the substrate cultivation method includes the following steps:

[0014] B1. Selection of cultivation substrate: Prioritize the use of loose and breathable soil from nearby sources. If suitable soil is not available in the surrounding environment, select a loose, water-retaining, and breathable composite substrate and fill it into the planting trough or planting bag used as the supply station.

[0015] B2. Planting cover plants: Selected cover plant seedlings or stems are planted in the composite substrate at a predetermined density;

[0016] B3. Water and fertilizer supply and propagation promotion: Through the water and fertilizer supply device, water and balanced nutrient solution are supplied to the substrate regularly or continuously according to the plant growth stage, and the plant stems and vines are guided to creep and grow in all directions.

[0017] Furthermore, the distributed water and fertilizer supply method includes the following steps:

[0018] C1. Supply station planning and layout: Based on the orchard topography, fruit tree row spacing and the spread of the selected cover plants, plan and lay out multiple supply stations between the fruit tree rows at intervals of 15 to 30 meters.

[0019] C2. Independent water and fertilizer supply configuration: Each supply station is equipped with an independent water and fertilizer storage device to achieve targeted water and fertilizer supply to the plants covered at each station;

[0020] C3. Manual replenishment mode: The water and fertilizer levels in the supply station are checked regularly by personnel and replenished manually.

[0021] C4. Intelligent replenishment mode: The supply station is equipped with a liquid level sensor, conductivity sensor and automatic controller to realize automatic monitoring and replenishment of water and fertilizer;

[0022] C5. Model Adaptation Strategy: Both models can be applied independently or in combination in orchards to adapt to different production conditions and management levels.

[0023] Furthermore, at least one type of functional plant that attracts target pests or can serve as a pesticide carrier should be planted around the perimeter of the crop planting area or between rows:

[0024] D1. Targeted pesticide application management: During the occurrence or prevention period of target pests, add a predetermined safe concentration of systemic pesticide to the water and fertilizer supply solution of the supply station.

[0025] D2. Systemic absorption and translocation of the agent: The covering plant absorbs the agent through its roots and translocates it to its stem, leaf, and flower tissues;

[0026] D3. Induction and absorption and functional expression: Functional plants absorb water-fertilizer solutions containing systemic pesticides through their roots, allowing the pesticide components to be transported and distributed in the stem and leaf tissues within the plant; the plant’s specific morphology, color or odor attracts target pests, and the target pests that come to feed or inhabit the plant die from poisoning due to contact with or ingestion of the pesticide-containing tissues.

[0027] Furthermore, the selection and breeding methods include the following steps:

[0028] E1. Climate adaptability principle: The selected plants should be adapted to the local climate conditions of the orchard and be able to tolerate the extreme temperatures, light, and seasonal drought or humidity conditions of the orchard.

[0029] E2. Growth and Covering Capacity Principle: Plant species or varieties with the ability to creep and spread rapidly should be given priority, and those with easy adventitious root formation at stem nodes, fast creeping growth rate, and the ability to form effective surface cover within one growing season should be selected.

[0030] E3. Functional Combination Principle: For the selection and breeding of plants with specific functions, cover plants are selected according to the climate conditions and ecological problems of the orchard. The spread and coverage capacity and ecological or economic functions are used as the selection criteria for cover plants. In addition to meeting the basic functions of cover, plants with one or more additional functions are comprehensively evaluated and selected, which have additional economic functions and landscape value. The functions include, but are not limited to, at least one of attracting pests and ornamental value.

[0031] E4. Collaborative Management Strategy Development: Based on the phenological period and growth habits of the selected plants, develop corresponding plans for sowing, transplanting, guiding and fixing, light mowing or renewal, and coordinate them with the overall agricultural operation calendar of the orchard.

[0032] Furthermore, the deployment and scheduling of supply stations can be differentiated and managed based on the growth status of fruit trees (such as tree age and canopy width). The system can adapt to the actual needs of the fruit trees. The system also supports upgrades to an intelligent operation mode based on management conditions.

[0033] Furthermore, the functional plants are preferentially selected from species that have a significant attraction effect on target pests and good absorption and translocation capabilities for systemic pesticides. The pesticide is applied to the root zone of the functional plants through independent pipelines or controlled valves, ensuring complete isolation from the fruit tree irrigation system. The timing and dosage of pesticide application can be based on monitoring and assessment of pest occurrence patterns in the field, employing preventative or emergency strategies.

[0034] Furthermore, in E1, the functional quantification metrics include, but are not limited to:

[0035] a. Ecological function indicators: measured field trapping rate of specific major pests, germination inhibition rate of common weeds in orchards, soil nitrogen fixation capacity and rate of specific plants, and contribution of root system to improving topsoil structure.

[0036] b. Agronomic management indicators: time required from planting to complete coverage of the inter-rows, biomass during the vigorous growth period, assessment of the intensity of competition with fruit trees for potential ecological niches, tolerance to herbicides, biomass accumulation rate and decomposition cycle after returning to the field.

[0037] c. Economic and landscape indicators: length of flowering period and ornamental value, whether it can be used as forage or green manure, and labor costs for overall maintenance.

[0038] Furthermore, based on the orchard's main management objectives (such as soil conservation, pest control, microclimate regulation, or landscape creation), the selection priority and field configuration parameters of different functional plants can be dynamically adjusted, including planting density, spatial layout, and their safe distance from fruit trees.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0040] 1. This invention completely solves the problem of water and fertilizer competition between orchard cover grass and fruit trees. The life support system of the cover plants is completely independent of the orchard soil, realizing the "theoretical zeroing" of competition with fruit trees.

[0041] 2. This invention has both ecological and economic benefits. It can prevent and control pests, diseases and weeds, reduce the use of pesticides, and also has the effects of moisture retention, soil temperature regulation, and orchard microclimate regulation, thus helping to develop green agriculture and produce green fruit industry.

[0042] 3. This invention achieves simplified management, focusing the management object from the entire field to a limited supply station, eliminating the need for whole-field cultivation and weeding and frequent mowing, and allowing water, fertilizer and pesticides to be applied precisely in an integrated manner within the station, saving labor and materials. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a typical planar layout of the system of the present invention in an adult orchard;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the core "attracting-entrapment-poisoning" mechanism of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] Based on the core design principles of off-soil nutrient supply, node control, functional integration, and site-specific material selection, a series of independent water and fertilizer supply networks are established between the rows of orchards. Specific creeping plants are planted within these stations using hydroponics or substrate cultivation. These plants obtain all or most of their water and nutrients from the supply stations, and their stems spread to the surrounding soil surface, thus forming a continuous living mulch network that is independent of the orchard soil.

[0047] An orchard cover cropping method based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system is disclosed. This system is a general-purpose platform comprised of physical facilities, biological components, and management strategies. It employs off-soil cultivation, a distributed supply station network, expandable functional modules, and the selection of specific functional plants to achieve orchard cover cropping. For off-soil cultivation, plants are grown using lightweight substrates or hydroponics, avoiding competition for water and fertilizer with fruit trees. For the distributed supply station network, independent supply units are deployed between fruit tree rows at intervals of 15-25 meters. Each unit is equipped with a simple or intelligent water and fertilizer supply system, such as manual watering and fertilization or solar-powered automatic water and fertilizer replenishment equipment. For the expandable functional modules, systemic pesticides are added to the water and fertilizer solutions within the supply stations, enabling the cover plants to have both feeding and poisoning functions. For the selection of specific functional plants, cover plants are chosen based on the orchard's climate conditions and ecological issues, with selection criteria including spreadability, ecological or economic / landscape functions, such as flowering to attract insects, aesthetic appeal, and tolerance to trampling.

[0048] This application presents a general method, and parameter optimization is required based on local conditions during implementation.

[0049] In the planning of the supply station: the spacing is determined according to the spread ability of the selected plants, generally 15-25 meters. The spacing can be widened for plants with strong growth, and denser for plants with weak growth. As for the cultivation method, the substrate can be local soil, or hydroponics, substrate cultivation, etc. As for the water supply system, it can be simple or complex, ranging from manual regular watering to intelligent systems equipped with water storage tanks, drip irrigation pipes and solar automatic controllers.

[0050] In plant selection and planting: the branches or vines should be thin and long, adapted to the local climate, and have the required additional functions; for planting, multiple clumps of seedlings should be planted in each supply station according to the design direction, and their stems and vines should be guided to extend in all directions in the early stage.

[0051] In water, fertilizer and pesticide management: For water and fertilizer, clean water or nutrient solution is added manually or automatically at regular intervals; for pesticides, systemic pesticides are added to the liquid / fertilizer at the supply station at the prescribed concentration only when the trapping function is required.

[0052] Figure 1 It shows the regular arrangement of fruit trees, with supply stations equidistantly placed along the center line between rows, and the plant stems growing from each station connecting to form a complete covering network.

[0053] Figure 2 Taking hydroponically grown water spinach as an example, the process is as follows: systemic pesticides dissolve in nutrient solution → are absorbed by the roots → are transported to the whole plant through the vascular system → accumulate in parts such as flowers and leaves → pests (such as thrips) are attracted to the flowers and tender leaves and feed on the poisoned tissues → die from poisoning.

[0054] This application aims to break through the paradigm limitations of existing technologies and provide a solution for constructing an orchard ecosystem that fundamentally avoids competition for water and fertilizer between fruit trees and cover plants, possesses proactive ecological regulation capabilities, and can adapt to different climatic conditions in the north and south. Specifically, it provides a living ground cover system that can be stably maintained and does not depend on orchard soil water and fertilizer, enabling it to grow normally in both the dry season in the south and the growing season in the north; it actively attracts and targets pests, blocks the spread of soil-borne diseases through efficient physical ground cover, and reduces the direct application of pesticides to fruit trees; it endows the ground cover system with additional ecological functions, such as improving the orchard microclimate, enhancing the surface landscape and moisture retention capacity, and providing a simple management method that is compatible with conventional orchard operations.

[0055] In summary, this application, as a platform technology, can generate a variety of products and services: standardized supply stations for different regions, specialized functional plant seedlings, supporting slow-release fertilizers and pesticides, and orchard ecological engineering design and management services. Example 1

[0056] For tropical orchards in the south, taking Hainan mango orchards as an example, hydroponic water spinach cultivation is adopted.

[0057] In order to solve the competition between water and fertilizer during the dry season, in addition to having the functions of ordinary orchard mulch, such as retaining soil moisture, avoiding high temperature on the soil surface, improving the orchard microclimate, and suppressing weeds, it can also control thrips, leafhoppers and aphids, and block the spread of anthracnose.

[0058] For the design of the supply station, containers such as plastic buckets are used as hydroponic units, and it is optimized to be equipped with solar-powered automatic water replenishment float valves.

[0059] The containers, such as plastic buckets, are equipped with planting holes to secure the water spinach seedlings. Multiple planting troughs are connected in parallel via pipes and laid out between mango rows or under fruit trees.

[0060] Water spinach was chosen as the plant. Water spinach is aquatic and suitable for hydroponics; it grows quickly and provides rapid coverage; its stems are creeping, with shallow adventitious roots at the nodes that provide good grip but offer little competition for water and nutrients from the mangoes; its morning glory flowers attract thrips and other pests. One to two modular hydroponic troughs were laid between every two rows of mango trees. Water spinach seedlings were secured to the planting holes in the trough cover using planting cotton, with the roots immersed in nutrient solution, and then secured around the edges with suitable material. The planting density ensured rapid formation of a continuous, 10-15cm thick green cover during the growing season.

[0061] During the thrips infestation period, systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran are added to the hydroponic solution. The pesticides are absorbed by the water spinach and translocated to the flowers and leaves, attracting and killing feeding thrips, aphids, leafhoppers, and other pests, thus avoiding direct application of pesticides to the fruit trees. Intelligent operation and management methods include basic nutrient solution management, precise targeted pesticide application, mulch management, and data feedback and optimization.

[0062] For basic nutrient solution management, the storage tank contains a general-purpose leafy vegetable nutrient solution modified based on the Yamazaki formula or the garden trial formula. Watering is initiated manually or automatically, or a metering pump is used to add pH adjustment solution / mother liquor to maintain the nutrient solution within the optimal range for water spinach growth (e.g., EC 1.2-2.0 mS / cm, pH 5.5-6.5).

[0063] For mulch management, when water spinach grows too vigorously, it can be harvested manually or with simple machinery. The harvested stems and leaves can be returned directly to the field as high-quality green manure under mango trees, or used as livestock feed, achieving material recycling and additional economic benefits.

[0064] In practice, it forms a 5-15cm green cover layer, suppresses weed growth, improves the orchard microclimate, effectively increases the average topsoil moisture by 51.4%, reduces the average temperature by 10.2-22.5%, reduces the rate of diseased fruit by about 20.35%, effectively conserves moisture and lowers the temperature; it also blocks the splashing of diseases and can reduce the spraying of thrips on the tree canopy by 40.2% and leafhoppers by more than 37.9%.

[0065] In summary, the hydroponic plant attraction ecological regulation system for orchards includes modular hydroponic planting units, supply stations, manual monitoring tools, and environmental monitoring equipment, optimized into an intelligent device.

[0066] Modular hydroponic planting units are placed between or under fruit trees to cultivate water spinach as an attraction plant. Each unit is a long, covered planting trough with planting holes on the cover. Multiple planting troughs are connected in parallel to a simple supply station via pipes.

[0067] Manual monitoring tools only include simple insect traps for counting target pests. The insect traps need to be checked on-site and counted manually by staff every day. The preset control thresholds are directly based on the pest control experience standards accumulated by local orchards over a long period of time. Intelligent devices can rely on electronic monitoring components to perform data modeling and calculation processes.

[0068] Staff members manually adjust the concentration and pH of the nutrient solution in the storage tank by observing the growth status of the water spinach (such as leaf color and growth rate). They also manually count the number of pests in the insect traps. When the number exceeds the empirical threshold, they manually operate the metering pump to inject systemic pesticide into the hydroponic circulating solution. The intelligent device can adjust and replenish the solution based on sensor data.

[0069] Environmental monitoring equipment can use simple thermometers and hygrometers. Staff can periodically read and manually record the data on-site, while intelligent devices can collect and analyze the data electronically.

[0070] The solar power unit in the intelligent device provides off-grid power to the field equipment (controllers, sensors, pumps), ensuring stable operation of the system in areas without mains power. Based on this, the system plants crops in cultivation troughs and establishes a nutrient solution circulation loop. Sensors monitor key physicochemical parameters, and the controller automatically adjusts the nutrient solution composition, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature according to set thresholds. After final filtration and disinfection, a closed-loop circulation is achieved, forming a complete and automated off-grid cultivation system. Example 2

[0071] For temperate orchards in the north, taking walnut orchards on the slopes of the Loess Plateau as an example, the substrate cultivation model for Clematis is adopted.

[0072] To address competition for water and fertilizer during the growing season, improve land utilization, suppress weeds between rows, and enhance the ecological landscape value of the orchard.

[0073] For the supply station design, long, narrow planting troughs or large waterproof planting bags are used, with locally sourced soil or lightweight, water-retaining substrates such as a mixture of peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite filled inside, along with simple drip irrigation tape or a seepage irrigation system. Monitoring and management are carried out through manual replenishment or an intelligent system.

[0074] In the sloping planting trough units, segmented, elongated planting troughs with internal baffles are used, or heavy-duty waterproof woven planting bags are employed. The troughs (bags) are filled with loose, breathable soil, or a lightweight, moisture-retaining substrate composed of peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, slow-release fertilizer, and water-retaining agents in a specific ratio. The planting units are arranged along contour lines between the rows of walnut trees.

[0075] Select shade-tolerant, long-vine clematis varieties. Clematis genus comprises many species, many of which are extremely cold-hardy, fully adaptable to the low winter temperatures of northern regions like North China, and exhibit strong spring sprouting ability. As a perennial plant, it grows rapidly in spring, quickly forming a mulch layer before weeds sprout, suppressing weed growth and spreading horizontally across the ground to form a cover. The plant's taproot system is confined within an independent planting trough, obtaining all water and nutrients from it. When the outward-spreading stems contact the soil at the nodes, they only produce shallow fibrous roots for anchoring, with weak absorption capacity. This effectively isolates the plant from the deep root system of walnut trees, both physically and in terms of nutrient sources, preventing competition. Plant clematis seedlings in filled planting troughs in autumn or the following spring, installing drip irrigation heads. Initially, simple, low grids can be erected to guide its spread. During the growing season, the stems will naturally creep and cover the ground, with adventitious roots at the nodes providing some anchorage but absorbing almost no soil nutrients.

[0076] In terms of water and fertilizer management, irrigation and fertilization strategies are adjusted according to the changes in plant growth stages. In the early growth stage, the focus is on promoting the growth of branches and leaves; around the flowering period, the focus shifts to promoting flower development; after flowering and during the growing season, balanced nutrients are provided; and during the dormant period, liquid fertilizer is reduced or stopped.

[0077] In terms of landscape maintenance, the growth and flowering of the cover plants should be observed regularly. If there is insufficient cover or poor flowering, water and fertilizer management measures should be checked and adjusted accordingly, or factors such as pests and diseases should be investigated to achieve and maintain the expected ecological and landscape functions.

[0078] During winter management: In late autumn, after the above-ground parts of the clematis turn yellow and wither, perform light pruning and cleaning. For 1-2 year old seedlings or in extremely cold years, cover the planting trough with a simple winter protection cover to prevent root damage from freezing and spring dieback. Mature plants usually do not require covering.

[0079] The implementation has resulted in a vibrant ground cover that possesses profound ecological functions, including water conservation, weed suppression, and temperature regulation, while also being highly ornamental. It solves the problem of balancing aesthetics and functionality in northern orchard ground cover, and by using off-soil substrate cultivation, it perfectly avoids competition for water and fertilizer with fruit trees, adding significant landscape and economic potential to the orchard.

[0080] This case study emphasizes independent water and fertilizer management, pest and weed control, and reduced soil management between rows. Furthermore, by selecting and combining clematis varieties with different flowering periods and colors, the viewing period can be extended, creating a distinctive orchard landscape.

[0081] In summary, the intelligent system suitable for substrate-grown grass in sloping orchards includes an isolated substrate planting unit, a slope supply subsystem, a multi-source monitoring module, a management and control unit, a central controller, and a removable winter protection cover.

[0082] Isolated substrate planting units are installed between rows in sloping orchards, filled with breathable soil or lightweight cultivation substrate, and planted with perennial ornamental vines and ground cover plants. Isolated substrate planting units are planting troughs or bags laid along contour lines, with their cultivation substrate mixed with water-retaining agents and slow-release fertilizers.

[0083] The slope supply subsystem includes a liquid storage device, a delivery pipeline network, and an irrigation device. The delivery pipeline network is equipped with a pressure regulating component, and the irrigation device uses an irrigator with pressure compensation function to adapt to the slope terrain and ensure uniform water supply to each planting unit.

[0084] Multi-source monitoring module: This includes soil moisture sensors embedded in the substrate and visual monitoring devices for acquiring images of the plant canopy. The visual monitoring devices are fixed cameras or drones, and their image data is processed by AI algorithms to quantitatively assess canopy coverage and flowering phenology.

[0085] Management and control unit: Based on monitoring information and the needs of different growth stages of plants, the supply subsystem can be operated manually or through basic automatic control to carry out irrigation and fertilization.

[0086] Central controller: It communicates with the monitoring module and the supply subsystem and is configured to: control the supply subsystem to perform zoned precision irrigation based on soil moisture data and evapotranspiration model; control the fertilizer applicator to inject corresponding water-soluble fertilizer according to the preset formula for different phenological stages of plants; and receive and analyze data from the visual monitoring device to obtain information on vegetation coverage and flowering status.

[0087] The perennial ornamental climbing ground cover plant is a cold-resistant and shade-tolerant Clematis genus plant, and multiple varieties with complementary flowering periods and flower colors are mixed and configured to extend the overall viewing period.

[0088] The removable winter cover is used to cover the planting unit during winter to protect the plant roots and base from overwintering.

[0089] The above specific embodiments are merely two preferred embodiments of the present invention. Based on the technical solution of the present invention and the relevant teachings of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various alternative improvements and combinations to the above specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for orchard ground cover based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system, characterized in that: The independent water and fertilizer supply system is a general-purpose platform composed of physical facilities, biological components, and management strategies. It utilizes off-soil cultivation, a distributed supply station network, expandable functional modules, and the selection of specific functional plants to achieve orchard cover. For off-soil cultivation, plants are grown using substrate or hydroponics. For the distributed supply station network, independent supply units are deployed at regular intervals between rows of fruit trees, each equipped with a water and fertilizer supply system. For the expandable functional modules, systemic pesticides are added to the water and fertilizer solutions within the supply stations, enabling the cover plants to attract and kill pests. For the selection of specific functional plants, cover plants are chosen based on the orchard's climate and ecological conditions, prioritizing their spread and landscaping capabilities. These cover plants include water spinach and clematis. It also includes ecological control steps for pests and diseases: during the occurrence or prevention period of target pests, a predetermined safe concentration of systemic pesticide is added to the water and fertilizer solution of the supply station; the covering plants absorb the systemic pesticide through their roots and translocate it to their stems, leaves, and flowers; the specific shape, color, or odor of the covering plants is used to attract target pests, causing them to die from poisoning after feeding on or coming into contact with the pesticide-containing tissues, thereby reducing direct harm to fruit trees; The pesticide is applied to the root zone of the covered plants through independent pipelines or controlled valves, ensuring complete isolation from the fruit tree irrigation system; Based on the orchard topography, the row spacing of fruit trees, and the spread of the selected cover plants, multiple supply stations are planned and set up between the rows of fruit trees at intervals of 15 to 30 meters; each supply station is equipped with an independent water and fertilizer storage device to achieve targeted water and fertilizer supply to the cover plants at each station. The spacing of the supply stations is adjusted to be denser or looser according to the spread ability and growth rate of the selected covering plants; the loosening of the spacing is positively correlated with the growth vigor, covering rate and vine length, while the densening of the spacing is negatively correlated with the growth vigor, covering rate and vine length, so as to ensure the continuity of the covering layer.

2. The orchard cover cropping method based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydroponic cultivation method includes the following steps: A1. Constructing a nutrient solution system: Fill containers containing essential nutrients for plants with nutrient solution, which will serve as the supply station. A2. Planting and Root Management: Plant the selected cover plants on the planting board, allowing their roots to be immersed in or partially in contact with the circulating nutrient solution; A3. Maintain the hydroponic environment: Regularly monitor and replenish the nutrient solution consumption, maintain the conductivity and pH value of the nutrient solution within a suitable range, or replace the nutrient solution periodically to ensure that the covered plants continuously receive water and nutrients.

3. The orchard cover cropping method based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate cultivation method includes the following steps: B1. Selection of cultivation substrate: In the absence of suitable soil in the surrounding environment, choose a loose, water-retaining and breathable composite substrate and fill it into the planting trough or planting bag. B2. Planting cover plants: Selected cover plant seedlings or stems are planted in the composite substrate at a predetermined density; B3. Water and fertilizer supply and propagation promotion: Through the water and fertilizer supply device, water and balanced nutrient solution are supplied to the composite substrate regularly or continuously according to the plant growth stage, and the plant stems and vines are guided to creep and grow in all directions.

4. The orchard cover cropping method based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The methods for breeding and configuring plants with specific functions include the following steps: C1. Climate adaptability principle: The selected plants should be able to tolerate the local temperature, light, and seasonal drought or humidity conditions of the orchard. C2. Growth and Coverage Principle: Possesses the ability to creep and spread to cover the ground; C3. Functional Combination Principle: For the selection and breeding of plants with specific functions, cover plants are selected based on the climate conditions and ecological problems of the orchard location. Economic functions are also used as the basis for the selection of cover plants. The specific functions include attracting pests. Plants with both economic functions and landscape value are comprehensively evaluated and selected. C4. Collaborative Management Strategy Development: Based on the phenological period and growth habits of the selected plants, develop corresponding plans for sowing, transplanting, guiding and fixing, light mowing or renewal, and coordinate them with the overall agricultural operation calendar of the orchard.

5. A method for orchard cover cropping based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific functional plants are selected from plants that attract target pests or plants that are tolerant to systemic pesticides and have systemic translocation efficiency; the timing, concentration and frequency of the addition of the systemic pesticides are determined based on the judgment of historical pest data in the orchard, current pest stage monitoring or phenological patterns.

6. A method for orchard cover cropping based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The economic and landscape functions are evaluated and selected using quantifiable indicators, which include: a. Agronomic management indicators: time required from planting to complete coverage of the inter-rows, biomass during the vigorous growth period, assessment of the intensity of competition with fruit trees for potential ecological niches, tolerance to herbicides, biomass accumulation rate and decomposition cycle after returning to the field. b. Economic and landscape function indicators: whether it can be used as forage or green manure, labor cost of overall maintenance, length of flowering period and ornamental value.

7. A method for orchard cover cropping based on an independent water and fertilizer supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water and fertilizer supply method of the supply station can be flexibly configured as either a manual supplementation mode or an intelligent supplementation mode, depending on the actual size of the orchard, terrain, water source conditions, and management needs. a. Manual replenishment mode: The water and fertilizer levels and salt content in the supply station are checked regularly by manual personnel, and manual replenishment and adjustment are carried out. b. Intelligent replenishment mode: The supply station is equipped with a liquid level sensor, conductivity sensor and automatic controller to realize automatic monitoring and replenishment of water and fertilizer; c. The two models can be applied independently or in combination in orchards to adapt to different production conditions and management levels.

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