Soil is the foundation for seedling production, serving as the primary source of water and nutrients. Soil fertility is the most critical factor in ensuring the continuous and effective operation of nurseries. Over time, especially with prolonged nursery operations, soil fertility tends to decline significantly. In recent years, due to economic difficulties in state-owned nurseries, short-term profit-driven behaviors, and a lack of scientific management, soil fertility has continued to deteriorate, leading to declining seedling quality and reduced yields. Based on many years of experience in nursery production and soil management, we have developed several effective strategies to maintain and improve soil fertility.
1. **Rational Cultivation**
Cultivation is an essential part of nursery management, and proper farming techniques can greatly enhance soil physical and chemical properties. Appropriate plowing increases soil porosity, improves aeration, and supports root respiration and nutrient uptake. It also helps regulate soil temperature, reducing daily temperature fluctuations and promoting microbial activity that accelerates organic matter decomposition. Good cultivation practices also improve soil structure, increase water infiltration and retention, and help control weeds and pests.
Site preparation should be done carefully. The best time is in autumn, either before or immediately after planting seedlings. If spring preparation is necessary, it should be done when the soil has thawed to a certain depth to prevent erosion. The ideal soil depth for preparation is around 20 centimeters. Moisture content is crucial—soil that is too dry or too wet can hinder the effectiveness of preparation. When the moisture level is between 50% and 60% of the saturated capacity, the soil is easiest to work with. If the soil is too hard or full of clods, it's advisable to water it first. Once the surface is dry and the lower layer is moist, plowing can begin. However, if the soil is overly wet, it can damage its structure and reduce porosity, which is not favorable for seedling growth.
For cultivation, timing is key. When the soil is too wet, cultivating can harm the soil structure and reduce air circulation. It’s best to cultivate when the moisture content is below 70% of field capacity—37% for heavy loam, 30% for light loam, and 22% for sandy loam. If the soil is too wet, cultivation should be avoided.
2. **Crop Rotation and Fallowing**
Fallowing is an effective method to restore soil fertility. After several years of continuous seedling cultivation, the soil becomes depleted. A common solution is to leave the land fallow for one year or rotate with other crops. During this period, weeds are turned into the soil and allowed to decompose, providing natural fertilizer. Timing is important—too early and weeds will regrow; too late and weed seeds will mature, causing problems for the next season.
Rotation involves planting different crops or seedlings after the initial crop. Legumes like soybeans and mung beans are commonly used because they fix nitrogen in the soil. After harvest, these crops can be mixed into the soil as green manure. Seedlings can also be rotated between coniferous and broad-leaved species, or between deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants, helping to balance nutrient use and improve soil health.
3. **Organic Fertilization**
Applying organic fertilizers is one of the most effective ways to maintain and enhance soil fertility. Organic matter improves soil temperature regulation, enhances structure, and boosts water-holding capacity. It also creates favorable conditions for microbial activity, helping form beneficial structures like humus, pectin, and polysaccharides, which improve soil aggregation.
There are three main methods of applying organic fertilizer: base fertilizer, top dressing, and green manure. Base fertilizers such as compost, manure, and peat should be well-decomposed and evenly spread before site preparation. They are typically applied at a rate of 66.6 to 133.3 kg per hectare, depending on soil conditions and seedling types.
Top dressing involves applying composted manure or urine during the growing season. It should be done in small amounts, using strips or holes around the roots. Watering after application helps the nutrients reach the roots more effectively.
Green manure involves planting leguminous crops like alfalfa or clover. These are turned into the soil when they are still fresh and before their seeds mature, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients. This practice can be combined with fallowing or crop rotation for maximum benefit.
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