Detailed Explanation of Soilless Seedling Raising Methods and Technical Points for Chili Peppers
Soilless Seedling Raising Methods for Chili Peppers
To prevent the occurrence of seedling-stage diseases and save labor, soilless seedling raising methods can be used. The seedling tray measures 55 cm × 27 cm × 5 cm (length × width × height), and the tray is divided into 72 cells, i.e., a plug tray.
I. Substrate Used and Sowing Method
In soilless cultivation for seedling raising, the main approach is to use no soil or farmyard manure as the seedling substrate in the tray; instead, peat and vermiculite are mixed at a ratio of 3:1 to serve as the seedling substrate. Place the mixed seedling substrate into the seedling trays, stack multiple seedling trays filled with the substrate on top of one another, place a wooden board on top, and press down with slight force; due to the pressure, a sunken depression forms at the top of each seedling cell. Then sow chili pepper seeds into the seedling cells, 2 to 4 seeds per cell, cover with vermiculite after sowing so that it is level with the seedling tray, and then water thoroughly once with a spray bottle. Cover the seedling tray with plastic film to retain heat and moisture and promote emergence. Remove the plastic film after the seedlings emerge; once the seedlings have emerged uniformly, keep 1 to 2 seedlings per cell according to different requirements.
II. Seedling Management
When using this type of seedling tray for emergence, nutrient and water management differ from conventional seedling raising. When the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves, nutrient solution needs to be applied. Generally, an alternating irrigation method of one application of nutrient solution followed by one application of clear water is used. The nutrient solution can be prepared with urea and monopotassium phosphate at a concentration of 2 g each of urea and monopotassium phosphate per liter of water. Peat and vermiculite have relatively poor water retention, so compared with conventional seedling raising, watering frequency must be higher; the seedling substrate must not be allowed to become too dry, which would affect seedling growth. Temperature management is the same as for conventional seedling raising.
Soilless seedling raising can not only greatly reduce the occurrence of soil-borne diseases during the seedling stage, but also has advantages such as faster recovery after transplanting, convenient handling, and a small footprint.
I. Substrate Used and Sowing Method
In soilless cultivation for seedling raising, the main approach is to use no soil or farmyard manure as the seedling substrate in the tray; instead, peat and vermiculite are mixed at a ratio of 3:1 to serve as the seedling substrate. Place the mixed seedling substrate into the seedling trays, stack multiple seedling trays filled with the substrate on top of one another, place a wooden board on top, and press down with slight force; due to the pressure, a sunken depression forms at the top of each seedling cell. Then sow chili pepper seeds into the seedling cells, 2 to 4 seeds per cell, cover with vermiculite after sowing so that it is level with the seedling tray, and then water thoroughly once with a spray bottle. Cover the seedling tray with plastic film to retain heat and moisture and promote emergence. Remove the plastic film after the seedlings emerge; once the seedlings have emerged uniformly, keep 1 to 2 seedlings per cell according to different requirements.
II. Seedling Management
When using this type of seedling tray for emergence, nutrient and water management differ from conventional seedling raising. When the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves, nutrient solution needs to be applied. Generally, an alternating irrigation method of one application of nutrient solution followed by one application of clear water is used. The nutrient solution can be prepared with urea and monopotassium phosphate at a concentration of 2 g each of urea and monopotassium phosphate per liter of water. Peat and vermiculite have relatively poor water retention, so compared with conventional seedling raising, watering frequency must be higher; the seedling substrate must not be allowed to become too dry, which would affect seedling growth. Temperature management is the same as for conventional seedling raising.
Soilless seedling raising can not only greatly reduce the occurrence of soil-borne diseases during the seedling stage, but also has advantages such as faster recovery after transplanting, convenient handling, and a small footprint.