In the southern region, the alpine summer climate offers a cool and favorable environment for tomato cultivation. This unique setting not only helps to enrich urban vegetable supplies from August to October but also significantly boosts farmers' income, making it a highly promising agricultural practice that should be widely promoted.
(1) **Location Selection**: Choose mountainous areas above 600 meters in elevation, which are easily accessible. For every 100-meter increase in altitude, the temperature decreases by approximately 0.5–0.6°C. At elevations above 600 meters, the temperature is typically 3–4°C cooler than in lowland areas at the same latitude. The average daytime temperature between June and September ranges from 25–26°C, while nighttime temperatures hover around 16–17°C—perfect conditions for tomato growth.
(2) **Soil Selection**: It's best to select slightly acidic soils. Most of the southern mountainous regions have acidic red or yellow soils. However, if the pH drops below 5.5, bacterial wilt can become a serious issue.
(3) **Slope Orientation**: A southeast or south-facing slope with ample sunlight is ideal. In contrast, the western slopes receive intense sunlight from July to August, making them unsuitable for planting tomatoes during this period.
(4) **Variety Selection**: Alpine soils are generally nutrient-poor, and the growing season is affected by early-season cold and rainy weather. Therefore, medium- to late-maturing varieties with strong growth vigor are recommended. Varieties such as "Strong Rice Age" or the "TM-2nv Beijing Zaoxiang hybrid" are particularly suitable.
(5) **Sowing and Seedling**: The sowing date should be determined based on market demand. Ideally, the first harvest should be ready more than 10 days after spring ends, providing fresh tomatoes for the off-season market from summer to autumn. Mid- to late-maturing varieties should be planted in early April, with seedlings transplanted after 30–40 days of growth.
(6) **Planting Density**: In high-altitude areas, plant about 2,500 plants per acre, using double-stem pruning techniques to maximize yield.
(7) **Fertilization**: If the soil pH is 6 or lower, apply 50–100 kg of lime per acre to improve soil quality. Apply 1,500–2,000 kg of base fertilizer, 15–20 kg of superphosphate, and 50–100 kg of cake fertilizer as initial nutrients. During the growing season, apply 2–3 rounds of manure, and top-dress with nitrogen fertilizer 2–3 times, using 15–20 kg of urea each time.
(8) **Weed Control**: Regular weeding, drought management, and mulching are essential to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
(9) **Pest and Disease Control**: During the growing season, spray a 0.4% Bordeaux mixture (lime and copper sulfate) every 7–10 days to prevent fungal diseases. If tobacco budworm or cotton bollworm infestations occur, spray cypermethrin at a concentration of 3,000–4,000 times or 4,000–5,000 times, depending on the severity of the problem.
By following these detailed guidelines, farmers can successfully grow high-quality tomatoes in the alpine regions, ensuring both economic benefits and a steady supply of fresh produce for urban markets.
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