Cultivation conditions for dried persimmons
Suitable terrain and soil for persimmon cultivation
- The persimmon is a temperate fruit tree native to East Asia, and many native species are distributed throughout China, Korea, and Japan. The persimmon distribution area in Korea extends to the coast of the Yong River, Jinnampo, and Pyongannam-do on the west coast, to Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do, Jecheon in Chungcheongbuk-do, and northern Bonghwa in Gyeongsangbuk-do in the inland region, and to Wonsan in Hamgyeongnam-do in the southern region connecting to the coastal area of Bukcheong on east coast. It extends north to 39° latitude on the west coast, 37-38° inland, and 40° on the east coast. The distribution is limited to the isotherm of an annual average temperature of 8 to 10°C.
- Sangju is located south of the astringent persimmon cultivation limit of the isotherm and at the highest latitude among the main production areas of dried persimmons. It can be said that the Sangju area belongs to the highest area where astringent persimmons can be cultivated in the inland region, and also that the Sangju area is the best place for persimmon cultivation because the topography and soil conditions are superior to other production areas.
< cultivation limits of astringent persimmons and main production areas dried >
*Source: Sangju Dried Persimmon Geographical Indication Registration DocumentsSuitable climate for persimmon cultivation
Persimmon trees grow relatively well in shaded areas compared to other fruit trees, but they grow faithfully in places with plenty of sunlight and high temperatures, resulting in high yields and high-quality fruit. They require high temperature during the growth period as a temperate fruit tree, and the temperature affects the growth of the tree as well as the quantity and quality of the fruit.
The annual average temperature of persimmon cultivation sites is 11~15℃, and about 2,340 hours of annual sunlight and 1,200 mm of annual precipitation are required for growth. The Sangju area has an average annual temperature of 13.1℃ and 2,401 hours of annual sunlight, which is suitable for growing astringent persimmons. Annual precipitation is also 1,357㎜, which is sufficient for persimmon trees to grow. There is sufficient precipitation in the fruit growing period between April and October in particular, so the risk of damage from drought is low and the environment is suitable for growing persimmon trees.
Climate suitable for dried persimmon production
The climate conditions for producing dried persimmons are low temperature and humidity, low precipitation, and dry northwest monsoon during the drying season.
In a comparison of the average temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity during in the drying season of November and December in major dried persimmons production areas, the Sangju area had the lowest precipitation and relative humidity compared to other areas, and the average temperature was as low as that of Yeongdong region, so it is suitable for dried persimmon production.