Detailed Explanation of Soapberry Planting Techniques and Management Methods
Soapberry, also known as Muxuanzi and Youxuanzi, is a large deciduous tree, mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin of China and various parts of the Indochina Peninsula. Its fruit is rich in saponin and can be used as a substitute for soap, and is a raw material for soil detergent; the roots, bark, branches and leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds can all be used as medicine, with effects of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, relieving food stagnation, and killing insects. In addition, the oil content of the seeds reaches 43%, making them a raw material for manufacturing diesel and lubricating oil, with extremely high economic value. Let's take a look at its planting techniques below.
1. Seed selection and seedling raising
There are many varieties of soapberry, and each variety is different; the yield of different varieties varies from high to low, and the saponin and oil content also differ. Therefore, choosing excellent 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 leave 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 excellent plants.
2. Land selection and afforestation
Soapberry is a light-loving, deep-rooted plant that prefers an environment with sufficient sunlight, so it is suitable to choose sunny slopes or semi-sunny slopes for planting, requiring deep soil layers, loose and fertile soil, and well-drained 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 per hole as base fertilizer, then fill in a layer of soil and mix before transplanting.
3. Field planting
Dig up the young trees cultivated for one year, being careful 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. Place the young tree upright into the planting hole, spread the root system out in the planting hole, do not let it become twisted 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 and tamping the soil, and water it.
4. Forest management
One month after the young trees are planted and survive, fertilization can begin, once every six months, 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. Soapberry is afraid of waterlogging, so drainage should be noted during the rainy season to avoid root rot caused by water accumulation, and timely irrigation should be carried out during drought. When the young tree grows to 1 m, prune and shape it in time, cut off the terminal bud, retain the main trunk, and promote the growth of lateral buds to form a crown, which can increase yield.
The above are soapberry tree planting techniques. I hope they can help you. If you want to learn more about planting knowledge, please follow us.