A Detailed Explanation of Sapindus mukorossi Tree Planting Techniques and Management Methods
Sapindus mukorossi, also known as soapberry and oil soapberry, is a large deciduous tree mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin of our country and throughout the Indochina Peninsula. Its fruit is rich in saponin and can be used as a substitute for soap; it is a raw material for soil detergent, and its roots, bark, branches and leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds can all be used as medicine, with effects of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, eliminating stagnation, and killing insects. In addition, the oil content of the seeds reaches 43%, making them a raw material for producing diesel and lubricating oil, with extremely high economic value. Let us take a look below at its planting techniques.
1. Seed Selection and Seedling Raising
There are many varieties of Sapindus mukorossi, and each variety is different; different varieties vary in yield, and they also differ in saponin and oil content. Therefore, selecting superior varieties is a major matter before planting, and good seeds must be selected well. Store the seeds at the end of the year and plant them after the beginning of spring the following year. Before planting, soak the seeds in warm hot water for one day, then use the sand bed germination technique before sowing, so the germination rate is high. After the seedlings emerge, they grow extremely fast and generally can be shipped out from the nursery in one year. Propagation methods such as cuttings and root sprouts can also be used, or grafting methods can be used to cultivate superior plants.
2. Land Selection and Afforestation
Sapindus mukorossi is a light-loving, deep-rooted plant that prefers an environment with sufficient sunlight, so it is advisable to choose sunny slopes or semi-sunny slopes for planting, requiring deep soil layers, loose and fertile soil, good drainage, and slightly acidic soil. After selecting the afforestation land, thoroughly clear it in autumn, clean up weeds, shrubs, and other plants, and clear away dead branches and fallen leaves. After doing this, dig planting holes at a spacing of 4×4 m, with a hole surface of 60×60cm, a hole depth of 40cm, and a hole bottom of 50×50cm. In January, apply about 3 kg of organic fertilizer such as barnyard manure or compost to each hole as base fertilizer. After fertilizing, fill in a layer of soil and mix it before transplanting.
3. Planting
Dig up the young trees cultivated for one year, taking care not to damage the root system of the seedlings, then take them to the afforestation site for transplanting, and plant them as they are dug to ensure the survival rate. Hold the young tree upright and place it into the planting hole, spread the root system out in the planting hole without twisting it together, then fill with soil. When the soil is filled to half of the planting hole, lift the young tree upward so that its root system spreads out, then continue filling with soil, tread it firm, and water it.
4. Forest Management
One month after the young trees are planted and survive, fertilization can begin, once every half year, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and the amount of fertilizer should be increased according to the age of the tree. During management, pay attention to changes in moisture. Sapindus mukorossi is afraid of waterlogging, so drainage should be noted during the rainy season to avoid root rot caused by water accumulation, while timely irrigation should be carried out during drought. When the young trees grow to 1 m, prune and shape them in time, cut off the terminal buds, retain the main trunk, and promote the growth of lateral buds to form a tree crown, which can increase yield.
The above are the planting techniques for Sapindus mukorossi trees. We hope this can help you. To learn more about planting knowledge, please stay tuned to us.