Climate and soil of Limes & Lemones in Indian condition

Limes and lemons 

          Limes and lemons are commercially grown in tropical and subtropical regions of India. Of them, acidlime (Citrus aurantifolia) is the third important fruit after mandarins and sweet oranges. On the other hand, lemons (c. limon) are cultivated to a limited extent. India ranks fifth among major lime and lemon-producing countries in the world. India is perhaps the largest producer of acid lime in the world. It is cultivated in almost all the states, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh being major producing states. Lemons are less popular than limes in India. They are cultivated to a considerable extent commercially in Punjab, Rajasthan, and tarai region of Uttar Pradesh.

           Besides acid lime, sweet lime (C. limettioides), Tahiti lime (C. latifolia) and Rangpur lime (C. limonia) are also cultivated on a limited scale in India. Sweet lime, indigenous to India, is an important citrus fruit in north India. Tahiti lime grows well in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. However, Sweet and Tahiti limes could not replace acidlime under commercial cultivation. Rangpur lime is mostly cultivated for rootstock purpose:

Climate and soil

         Acidlime is tropical in its climatic requirements. Being tenderest among the citrus fruits, it is cultivated in all parts of the country which are free from frost. The principal centres of cultivation are the drier regions. The areas, which are warm, moderately humid, free from strong winds and frost are ideally suited for its cultivation. In north India, where the temperature occasionally falls below freezing, commercial cultivation of acidlime is risky. In frost-free areas of central and south India where rainfall does not exceed 750mm/annum, it performs well. It grows successfully even up to 1,000m above mean sea-level, provided humidity is low and favourable. In more humid regions of Assam and West Bengal, where rainfall is above 1,250mm, lime becomes highly susceptible to citrus canker and powdery mildew making its trees unproductive and short lived.

          Unlike acidlime, sweet lime can be grown under a wide range of climatic conditions. Since it is more hardy than acidlime, it can withstand frost conditions better. It grows well under drier conditions of north India than equitable climate in south India.

      Rangpur lime is raised throughout the country, particularly in drier regions. The optimum temperature requirement for Rangpur lime is 20°–30°C. In humid areas, it becomes more susceptible to scab.

        Lemons are more liberal in their climatic requirements than acidlime. Lemons are hardier than limes to both heat and cold. They have wide adaptability, since they thrive both in humid and semi-humid region, plains and areas receiving high rainfall. Lemons grow well up to 1,200m above mean sea-level. They are more tolerant to frost than acid lime. Therefore, limes can be substituted by lemons in areas where there are chances of frost occurrence.

        Acid lime adapts well to a variety of soils and is not very exacting in its soil requirement. It grows fairly well in black and light loamy soils. A loamy soil of uniform texture with a depth of 2–2.5m, well-drained and rich in organic matter and fertility is ideal for lime. It is highly sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Fluctuating watertable and lowlying areas, prone to water stagnation, are unsuitable. Heavy soils, if well-drained, give good growth and production, but the cultivation is difficult and tedious. A well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0 is ideal for better growth and yield. Alkaline soils and soils high in lime content are not suitable, since such soils may lead to deficiencies of micronutrients.

          Sweet lime can be grown on a variety of soils and is rather tolerant to defective soil conditions. However, it grows well in well-drained, deep loam soils.

       Lemons are also adaptable to a wide range of soils. Sandy loams or loamy soils possessing adequate drainage are generally preferred for successful cultivation. Lemons grow well and produce satisfactorily even in shallow soils provided the water and air regime are satisfactory at least up to 1m depth.