The Loess Plateau is located at 30 degrees north latitude, belonging to a warm temperate semi-humid climate zone, with deep soil layers and rich light and heat resources. Annual average temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours and other climatic conditions are suitable for apple planting and growth. It is recognized as the "golden producing area" of apples in the world, and has been designated as one of the best apple growing areas by the Ministry of Agriculture of China.
Apples need 1000- 1600 units of heat and 120- 180 days of frost-free weather. The area with 35 north latitude includes Linyi in Shandong, Zhengzhou in Henan, Yuncheng in Shanxi, Tongchuan in Shaanxi, Tianshui in Gansu, southern Qinghai and northern Tibet. The area of 50 north latitude in China includes Heilongjiang, northeastern Inner Mongolia and a part of northern Xinjiang.
So the golden apple belt in China refers to the vast area north of 35 north latitude. This area includes Yantai apples, Luochuan apples, Yinchuan apples and Xinjiang apples. Apples are native to Central Europe, Southeast Europe, Central Asia and Xinjiang, China. They were first planted in Europe, and now they are almost all over the world.
Apple planting conditions are as follows:
1, temperature: Apple likes cold, dry and sunny climate. Generally speaking, the average temperature in April-10 is 12- 18℃, which is most suitable for the growth of apples.
2. Lighting: Apple is a light-loving tree species. Adequate illumination is beneficial to the normal growth and fruiting of fruits, and also to improving the quality of fruits. Different varieties have different requirements for light. The annual sunshine hours in Huaibei area are more than 2000 hours, which can basically meet the needs of apple growth and development.
3. Precipitation: The annual precipitation in the world's major apple producing areas is 500-800 mm. Flower bud differentiation and fruit ripening require dry air and sufficient sunshine, so the fruit surface is smooth, colorful and full of flower buds. Rainfall in North China is unevenly distributed, so timely irrigation is needed in dry months.
4. Soil: In terms of soil, apples are suitable for sandy loam with deep soil layer, good drainage and rich organic matter. The PH value of soil should be slightly acidic to neutral. When the soil is poorly ventilated, the growth of roots is hindered. When the pH value is above PH7.8, it is easy to be undernourished and lose its green color. The salt tolerance of soil is lower than 0. 15%.