Effects of Rain-sheltered Pear Cultivation on Fruit Quality and Chemistry and Enzymatic Activity of Rhizosphere Soil

Effects of rain-sheltering in pear cultivation on quality of the fruits as well as the chemical properties and enzymatic activity of the rhizosphere soil were studied by comparing with the conventional open-field operation at a same orchard. By sheltering the plants from the rains, the sugar content of the pears decreased significantly, and the acids increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the total nitrogen and available phosphorus in the soil lowered significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the condition also decreased the activities of protease, urease, sucrase and phosphomonoesterase in the soil. On the other hand, the changed rhizosphere soil did not alter the growth of lettuces on it. It appeared that the rain-sheltered cultivation did not benefit the fertility or the natural circulation of matters in the soil either. Consequently, the practice would require substantial nutrient replenishment, occasional exposure to the natural conditions, and frequent weeding to sustain a long-term cultivation of the pear plants that produce high quality fruits.