A Detailed Guide to High-Yield, High-Quality Cultivation Techniques and Scientific Storage Methods for Castanea henryi

Castanea henryi is a tree species valued for both forestry and fruit, and its kernel is a high-quality dried fruit with an absorption rate by the human body of over 95%. In addition, the fruit of Castanea henryi also contains carotene, amino acids and other nutrients needed by the human body. It is rich in nutrients, in short supply on the international market, high in economic value, and has a very broad market prospect. Castanea henryi prefers a warm and humid environment and is suitable for growing in areas with an average annual temperature of 11-20°C and annual rainfall of 1000-1500mm. So how can Castanea henryi be cultivated with high yield and high quality? Let us take you to have a look below~

I. Planting methods for Castanea henryi

1. Select land rich in organic matter and with good drainage for planting;

2. After the Castanea henryi seedlings are planted on the said land, cut them back at 60cm above the ground. After sprouting, the top 40cm of the Castanea henryi seedlings is the shaping zone. Branches within the shaping zone are retained, and branches below the shaping zone are pruned off. Within the shaping zone, select and retain 3-4 branches with staggered angles and directions as main branches. When the main branches grow to 50-60cm in length, pinch out the growing tips. Apply 1-2kg of compound fertilizer and 2-3kg of farmyard manure per seedling, with a fertilization depth of 35cm;

3. When the said Castanea henryi plants grow to the fruiting stage, apply 1.5-2.5kg of sulfur-containing ternary compound fertilizer per plant, with a fertilization depth of 20cm;

4. After the said Castanea henryi plants are harvested, apply 1-1.3kg of soybean cake fertilizer, 0.8-1.2kg of nitrogen fertilizer, 1.3-1.5kg of phosphate fertilizer and 2-2.3kg of farmyard manure per Castanea henryi plant.

II. Storage methods for Castanea henryi

1. Sand storage method

This method is simple and easy to carry out, and is suitable for chestnut farmers in production areas. Choose a cool indoor ground surface and spread a 10cm thick layer of clean wet river sand. The moisture of the sand should be such that it can form a ball when held in the hand and can be broken apart when the hand is released. On top of it, place a layer of chestnuts and a layer of sand in alternating layers, each layer 5-10cm thick, or mix and pile one part chestnuts with two parts sand, and finally cover with about 10cm of sand, then cover the top with rice straw, with a pile height of 0.5-1m. During storage, turn and inspect once every 15-20 days to facilitate heat release, and pick out rotten chestnuts. Generally, normal chestnuts basically do not have river sand sticking to their surface, while rotten chestnuts have clean river sand sticking around them. In order to avoid contamination during the sand storage period, it is best to use clean river sand without soil, sun-dry it for 2-3 days before use, and when using it add 5% clean water, with 0.1% thiophanate-methyl fungicide dissolved in the water. This method can store for 2-3 months, with a rot rate of 2%-3%.

2. Cold storage method

This is currently a common method for storing chestnuts in large quantities. Because the storage temperature and humidity are well controlled, chestnut loss is low, and basically no sprouting occurs, the storage period is long and the effect is good. The chestnuts put into storage should be fully mature, with bright color, disease and insect-damaged fruits removed, and shriveled ones removed as appropriate.

3. Controlled atmosphere cold storage method

This is currently a relatively advanced method for storing chestnuts and the like, and grading is carried out according to single-fruit weight. During cold storage, the chestnuts to be stored must be packaged in double-layer gunny bags lined with water-soaked wet gunny bags or in perforated plastic bags to maintain the humidity of the chestnuts. When entering the cold storage, stacking should be carried out scientifically. Generally, stacking is done in a “parallel”-shaped or “triangular”-shaped manner. The stack should be about 30cm away from the wall. Under conditions of carbon dioxide below 10%, oxygen at 3%-5%, temperature around 0°C, and relative humidity of 90%-95%, the chestnuts remain fresh and plump after 120 days of storage, with excellent quality.

The above is the planting method for Castanea henryi brought to you by the Tuliu.com editor. Friends who like it are welcome to follow Tuliu.com, and we will see you next time.