Proactive technology shields thousands of hectares of orange orchards from drought

Investing heavily in advanced irrigation

In the early weeks of summer, temperatures across Ha Tinh have climbed relentlessly, repeatedly breaching 40 degrees Celsius at precisely the moment when the province's key orange-growing zones are entering the fruit-development stage, the period that determines the yield and quality of the entire season. Faced with brutal weather conditions, orange growers are no longer relying solely on traditional experience; instead, they are applying scientific and technical methods to combat drought, mitigate the effects of prolonged heat, and protect their orchards.

In major production communes such as Thuong Duc, Vu Quang, Mai Hoa, and Dong Loc, many households have invested in modern irrigation systems, tapped into stored water reserves, and deployed appropriate technical measures to maintain adequate soil moisture throughout their orchards.

The family of Tran Xuan Vuong in Binh Quang hamlet, Thuong Duc commune, is among those who have taken the initiative. Across more than two hectares of chanh orange trees, Vuong has installed two high-capacity water pumps connected by more than 200 meters of pipeline to deliver water reliably to every section of the orchard. Each day, he makes a point of watering during the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation losses.

Vuong explains that during prolonged heat, orange trees' water requirements increase sharply,  particularly during the fruit-development stage. Without adequate moisture, trees are prone to premature fruit drop and reduced nutrient accumulation, directly undermining final-season yields.

Beyond irrigation investment, many growers are also making use of readily available materials, dry grass, rice straw, fallen leaves, and other agricultural by-products, as root mulch. This practice limits soil moisture evaporation, maintains soil humidity, and stabilizes root-zone temperatures.

In the scorching heat, Nguyen Thi Binh of Vu Quang commune tends to more than one hectare of bu oranges with a disciplined twice-daily watering schedule. Soil moisture levels are monitored closely across the entire area, helping the trees develop steadily through the critical fruit-filling period.

In recent years, many orchardists across Ha Tinh have gradually shifted away from manual watering toward water-saving methods such as drip irrigation, localized sprinkler systems, and automated irrigation. These systems not only significantly reduce water consumption but also ensure uniform water distribution, limit nutrient runoff, and reduce labor demands.

Nguyen Van Minh of hamlet 5, Tho Dien, Vu Quang commune, has installed an automated irrigation system across more than one hectare of over 200 orange trees. The family has also channeled water into reserve holding ponds to guarantee a reliable supply throughout the dry season. The adoption of modern irrigation technology ensures that trees receive water consistently, at the right times, and in volumes matched to their growth requirements.

Agricultural experts note that water-efficient irrigation is one of the most effective responses to the increasingly complex patterns of climate change. Compared to traditional flood irrigation, drip systems can reduce water use by 30 to 50 percent while also improving fertilizer efficiency through the integration of fertigation, the simultaneous delivery of water and dissolved nutrients.

Integrated solutions to build crop resilience

Alongside irrigation technology, farmers are applying a range of other technical advances to strengthen the resilience of their fruit trees under adverse weather conditions.

In Dong Loc commune, Phan Thi Hien has used peanut shells as mulch across more than two hectares of chanh oranges. The organic covering not only retains moisture but also improves soil friability, stimulates beneficial microbial activity, and suppresses weed growth. It is a sustainable farming practice that can reduce surface soil temperature by three to five degrees Celsius during peak heat days. As the organic layer decomposes over time, it also returns humus to the soil, improving long-term water and nutrient retention.

Alongside moisture-retention measures, many growers are applying organic and microbial fertilizers, as well as biological preparations, to strengthen plant immunity. Balanced nutrition, particularly ensuring adequate levels of medium and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and boron, helps trees maintain stable growth and reduces physiological fruit drop during extreme weather events.

Some growers are also applying selective pruning techniques to reduce intra-canopy competition for nutrients, improve air circulation, and concentrate the tree's energy on fruit development. While technically straightforward, this approach delivers meaningful results under conditions of prolonged heat.

Phan Van Huan, Head of the Crop Production Division under the Ha Tinh Sub-Department of Crop Production and Animal Husbandry, advises farmers to make maximum use of all available water sources this summer, including ponds, reservoirs, boreholes, and natural water bodies. Irrigation should be carried out in line with each stage of the tree's growth cycle, prioritizing water-saving methods such as drip irrigation, localized sprinklers, or automated systems. Root mulching, fruit shading, balanced fertilization, and integrated pest management should also be implemented in a coordinated manner to help trees sustain healthy growth through unfavorable weather.

Ha Tinh Province has more than 7,400 hectares planted with oranges, of which approximately 6,100 hectares are currently in production. With intense heat forecast to continue, the accelerated adoption of science and technology in orange cultivation is emerging as the decisive factor enabling growers to adapt to climate change.