A detailed guide to new sea buckthorn planting techniques, master the scientific cultivation method

Sea buckthorn, of the genus Hippophae in the family Elaeagnaceae, also known as sour willow and sour thorn, is a small berry plant, a deciduous shrub or sub-tree.

1. Site preparation

Pit-style site preparation, with the pit surface 50 cm long and 40 cm wide, and a site preparation depth of 30 cm.

The spacing between plants and rows is generally 1 m X 2 m or 1.5 m X 2 m. Strip site preparation can also be used, with a site preparation depth of more than 20 cm. Site preparation should be carried out from 1 quarter to half a year before afforestation; carrying it out 1 year in advance gives even better results.

2. Planting

Planting can be done in either spring or autumn. In spring it is generally done before bud break, when the soil has thawed to 20-30 cm. Generally, 1-year-old seedlings with a height of 30 cm and a ground diameter of more than 0.3 cm are best. Before planting, determine the planting points according to the planting design requirements, then dig planting holes at the planting points. The planting holes only need to be large enough to hold the seedlings. Then place the seedlings into the holes, taking care to lift them slightly so that the root system spreads out fully. Insert a planting spade a few centimeters into the side of the planting hole, press it firm, tread down the pit dug out by the planting spade with your foot, and finally cover the surface of the hole with a layer of loose soil. This afforestation method is called the narrow-slit planting method. Generally, for soil and water conservation forests the planting density is 2 m × 1 m or 1.5 m X 1 m; for sea buckthorn orchard afforestation it can be 2.0 m X 3.0 m. When establishing an orchard on gentle sloping land, plants should be arranged along the contour lines. For sea buckthorn orchard afforestation, be sure to select high-quality varieties with large fruit, long stalks, no thorns and high yield, such as Miracle No. 1, Xiangyang, and Late-maturing No. 1.

3. Young forest tending

After the afforestation survives, carry out weeding and loosening of the soil in a timely manner to prevent weeds from growing thickly.

4. Stumping for rejuvenation

Stumping is generally carried out during the tree's dormant period, but it is best before the soil thaws in early spring. Stumping methods include “patch cutting”, “spot cutting”, and “strip cutting”. When cutting, lower the stubble as much as possible and keep it smooth and uncracked. When the branches and trunk are air-dried, they are generally 50%-60% of fresh weight. After stumping, many branches are produced, and the new forest's growth in the same year can reach about 0.6 m.

5. Common pests and diseases

The main pests and diseases harming sea buckthorn include the sea buckthorn carpenter moth, sea buckthorn fly, and shrinkage disease. The simplest method is to cut down diseased and pest-infested plants, carry them away, and burn them as fuelwood.