Detailed Explanation of Transplanting and Seedling Survival Methods for Schisandra chinensis

In recent years, the demand for Schisandra chinensis has increased and prices have climbed. Many farmers have tried artificial cultivation, but the survival rate has been unsatisfactory, which not only affects farmers' enthusiasm for production but also wastes a considerable amount of manpower, material resources and financial resources. A set of transplanting and seedling survival techniques is now introduced for farmers to reference and experiment with.

1. Land preparation

Choose a fertile, partially shaded plot that does not accumulate water. Change the traditional pit planting to trench planting. Because the roots of Schisandra chinensis have poor penetrating power and absorb water and nutrients through adventitious roots, the soil layer must be activated to mimic its original ecological growth conditions. Dig trenches 50 cm wide and 40 cm deep at a row spacing of 1.5 m.

Place the excavated soil separately according to topsoil and subsoil. First lay a layer of straw at the bottom of the trench, which serves as both organic fertilizer and waterlogging prevention and drainage (5 cm is appropriate). Then backfill one layer of farmyard manure and one layer of subsoil; after filling more than half, backfill biological fertilizer, farmyard manure and topsoil. The backfilled soil should be more than 20 cm above the ground surface to prevent sinking and depression. After the backfilled soil has settled firmly, transplanting can begin.

2. Transplanting

October in autumn is preferable, though transplanting can also be done in spring from March to April. To achieve early high yield, about 900 seedlings are needed per mu. Two-year-old large seedlings are preferable. A plant spacing of 50 cm is appropriate. After early high yield is achieved and the vines are relatively well developed, thin out the excess part to a plant spacing of 1 m. During transplanting, prevent the roots from curling; cover with soil up to the neck of the seedling roots. Tread firmly, make a ridge, water thoroughly, and then cover with a 5 cm thick layer of fallen leaves or rice straw. This preserves warmth, retains moisture, activates the soil layer, and also saves the trouble of frequent watering and loosening of the soil, while also having a certain suppressing effect on weeds. The mulching measure is the key technique for improving the survival rate and yield of Schisandra chinensis.