Pomegranate Tree Seedling Lifting Methods and Precautions Explained in Detail

Pomegranate tree cultivation and management is extremely important, and in the planting and management of pomegranate seedlings, lifting seedlings is the first step of cultivation, affecting the quality of the root system to the nursery stock and the survival rate of planting. So how should pomegranate tree seedlings be lifted? What should be noted? Let's take a look together.

I. Lifting seedlings with soil

When lifting pomegranate tree seedlings, the method of lifting with soil is generally adopted. This method not only has a high survival rate, but is also convenient in terms of factors; generally, the radius of the soil ball when lifting seedlings is 5-10 times the diameter of the root collar, and the height is preferably about 2/3 of the soil ball diameter. If the soil ball is too small, survival is more difficult; if the soil is sandy loam or transportation conditions are poor, then the soil ball should not be too large, otherwise it is very easy to cause loosening. For lifting large seedlings, the branches and leaves should first be tied up to reduce volume, so as to facilitate lifting and transportation. When thicker lateral roots are encountered during lifting, they should be cut off with pruning shears or sawed off with a hand saw to prevent the soil ball from vibrating and loosening. After lifting the seedlings, they should be packed with straw rope, or wrapped with cattail bags, rice straw, or wheat straw, to ensure the soil ball remains intact, with a smooth surface, tight packaging, and no soil leaking from the bottom.

II. Precautions for lifting seedlings

1. Standards and timing for leaving the nursery

Pomegranate seedlings should only leave the nursery when the upper branches are robust, well matured, the buds are plump, the root system is sound, there are many fibrous roots, and there are no diseases or pests. When lifting seedlings, it should be done during the dormant period. In spring, seedlings should be lifted early, before the seedlings begin to sprout. If seedlings are lifted after the buds have opened, the survival rate of the seedlings will be greatly reduced. In autumn, seedlings should be lifted after the aboveground parts of the seedlings have stopped growing. At this time, the root system is precisely in a period of growth; if planted promptly after lifting, they can begin growing in the following spring. In addition, lifting seedlings in spring can also reduce the heeling-in process.

2. Methods for lifting seedlings

First, the depth of lifting seedlings should be based on the root distribution pattern of the tree species; it is better to be deep than shallow, as being too shallow easily damages the roots. If the roots of lifted seedlings are watered, it can very easily lead to a low planting survival rate or weak growth, so root damage should be minimized as much as possible. In addition, water should be given before lifting seedlings, because in winter and spring there is drought, the nursery land is dry, and the soil very easily becomes compacted, making seedling lifting relatively difficult. Therefore, it is best to water the nursery land 4-5 days before lifting seedlings, so that the seedlings can absorb sufficient fertilizer and water in the nursery and have relatively ample nutrient reserves. This can not only maintain the integrity of the seedling root system, but also improve the seedlings' ability to resist drought.

The above is an introduction to pomegranate tree seedling lifting methods and precautions. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.