We investigated the effect of super-high density planting for early recovery from sick soil and low temperature injury in fig (Ficus carica L. 'Masui Dauphine') over a five-year period. Towards this end, fig trees were planted at either 0.8 or 2.0 m planting distance (super-density planting), in comparison to the conventional 4.0 m planting distance on the continuous cropping field. It was observed that super-high density planting with 0.8 m was superior to 2.0 and 4.0 m planting distances for maintaining tree vigor and yields under continuous cropping conditions, suggesting the effectiveness of 0.8 m planting distance for early recovery from sick soil. There was no difference in the quality of fruit between trees grown at these two different planting distances. When trees were exposed to low temperature injury in a given year, notable reduction in yield was observed according to the length of the planting distances (i.e. 0.8 m < 2.0 m < 4.0 m). Furthermore, tree vigor and total yield were regained earlier in super-high density planting with 0.8 m planting distance relative to 2.0 and 4.0 m. After two years, the level of yield recovered from the 0.8 m treatment was similar to the yield before the onset of low temperature injury. There was no difference in the quality of fruit between trees grown at these two different planting distances. The results of this study indicated the effectiveness of 0.8 m planting distance for early recovery from sick soil and low temperature injury in fig cultivation.
