Using the large-plow furrowing method for clear-cut regeneration of black locust

1. Preparatory work. Large-plow furrowing means using a tractor to pull a large plow to furrow in a clear-cut black locust site. A tractor with relatively high horsepower must be used. An ordinary iron plow for plowing farmland is sufficient, but a single plow is required. First clear branches and large stones from the site.

2. Plot selection. Large-plow furrowing requires concentrated, contiguous plots, a slope of less than 25 degrees, and a soil layer of more than 30 cm.

3. Technical requirements. The black locust root system is relatively shallow, the main root is not obvious, and the lateral roots are well developed. The main lateral roots are mostly distributed in the surface layer at a soil depth of 20-30 cm, and the main root rarely reaches as deep as 50 cm. The purpose of furrowing is to cut the lateral roots and form a large number of growth points to promote sprouting, so the furrowing depth should be 25-30 cm. Exceeding this depth easily increases the resistance on the large plow and causes damage, while too shallow a depth fails to cut the lateral roots.

The furrowing time is chosen from late April to early May. The furrowing direction is broadly divided into two types, namely across the slope and up and down the slope. If the black locust was planted in ridges before cutting, furrows can be made along the original ridges; if there are no ridges, a route can be designed before furrowing, and furrows can be made across the slope or up and down the slope through the gaps between trees. Note, however, that when furrowing up and down the slope, breaks must be left, that is, the large plow is lifted out after traveling 20-30 m and a small mound of soil is formed where it is lifted, and the plow is lowered again after traveling 1-2 m. This can effectively prevent soil and water loss. The spacing between furrows is 2 m, the distance from the furrow to the stumps is 30-50 cm, and the turned-up soil should face downhill.

Because this is mechanical work, the stumps in the forest land must not be too high and must be less than 5 cm; this should be considered in advance when harvesting. Black locust harvesting should be carried out in the winter of the previous year.

4. Later management. After furrowing, black locust sprouts very quickly from the cut ends of the lateral roots. At this time, grazing and other human activities must not be carried out in the forest land. From late July to early August, plant selection and trunk training are needed, and the density is determined according to need.

We have used this method for many years. According to estimates, it costs 30-35 yuan per mu. In contrast, conventional black locust root-burial afforestation costs 45-55 yuan, so this reduces afforestation costs. In addition, furrowing also has the effect of conserving water and fertilizer. The sprouted young trees grow rapidly and close the canopy very quickly, bringing us significant benefits.