Detailed Guide to Zanthoxylum armatum Cultivation Techniques: Planting Methods and Management Points
Zanthoxylum armatum is also called bamboo-leaf prickly ash, but there are still certain differences between Zanthoxylum armatum and prickly ash. Zanthoxylum armatum has longer vines, so it is called vine pepper. The roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Zanthoxylum armatum can all be used as Chinese medicinal materials, with effects such as dispelling wind and cold, relieving pain and promoting qi circulation, and it has a certain therapeutic effect on rheumatic bone pain. At present, Zanthoxylum armatum is mainly widely planted in southwestern China, so how should Zanthoxylum armatum be planted? Below, the editor brings you the planting methods of Zanthoxylum armatum. Let's take a look together!
1. Seedling site selection
We should choose a place that does not easily accumulate water, has normal drainage and irrigation, and has strong permeability. Moreover, soil is the key to ensuring the normal growth of Zanthoxylum armatum; its pH, soil texture and fertility all directly affect the development of Zanthoxylum armatum. Therefore, we should ensure deep, loose and soft soil with sufficient fertility, either neutral or slightly acidic soil. After choosing the site, do the land preparation work well, plow the soil deeply, level it and harrow it finely, so that the deeper soil layer becomes more matured. Improve the permeability of the soil, strengthen the soil's nutrient retention capacity, and create a good growing environment for Zanthoxylum armatum seedling raising.
2. Timely sowing
First, when the weather is good, we should choose a 9-11 year old Zanthoxylum armatum tree that is robust, high-yielding and free of pests and diseases as the seed tree for seedling raising. Then take the seeds out of the fruit and do the work of seed soaking for germination and disinfection. Then choose a suitable time for sowing, usually mainly autumn sowing, because autumn sowing can ensure the seeds are fresh enough and have strong germination ability. The sowing method is mostly seedbed sowing. First prepare the seedbed and make beds, then apply sufficient base fertilizer, level it, water appropriately and scatter the seeds. After sowing, cover with fine soil and spray appropriate insecticides such as trichlorfon. This can not only ensure the soil is moist enough, but also eliminate underground pests, achieving two goals at once.
3. Post-sowing management
After sowing, ensure suitable temperature and humidity in the soil to prevent water shortage and hardening of the soil. It is best to cover with plastic film; after mulching, the germination and emergence ability of the seeds can be improved, ensuring uniform seedlings. When the seedlings grow to about 4 cm, carry out thinning to ensure the Zanthoxylum armatum seedlings are evenly distributed. During the seedling stage, we should water regularly, and water promptly when the soil is found to be dry. Then, during the seedling stage, fertilization should mainly be nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by biological fertilizer. When fertilizing, pay attention to the amount, following the principle of applying more frequently and in small amounts. Prevent excessive fertilization from causing fertilizer damage, and occasionally apply foliar fertilizer and micro-fertilizer to meet the nutritional needs of Zanthoxylum armatum growth. When the seedlings grow to a suitable height, they can be transplanted in good time.
4. Field management
The growth cycle of Zanthoxylum armatum is relatively long, and it takes several years to reach the full fruiting stage. Therefore, field management after transplanting is very important. Not only must the soil be kept moist at all times, but topdressing should also be applied appropriately according to the growth of the Zanthoxylum armatum trees. The number of topdressings per year must not be less than two. In the early stage, mainly nitrogen fertilizer is used; in the later stage, control nitrogen fertilizer and increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to prevent excessive vegetative growth. And we should also do the work of loosening soil and weeding well. Properly loosening soil and weeding can not only improve soil permeability and reduce the rate of water evaporation, but also reduce pests and diseases and prevent weeds from competing for Zanthoxylum armatum nutrients and affecting its growth.
The next thing is the pruning work of Zanthoxylum armatum trees. The pruning work of Zanthoxylum armatum trees is very important, and there are different pruning methods for different tree ages and different growth stages. The main purpose is to improve the permeability between tree bodies, increase the light-receiving area of Zanthoxylum armatum, promote flower bud differentiation, ensure healthy growth of Zanthoxylum armatum trees, and increase yield. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for your reading and support.