Planting Techniques for Intercropping Shrubs in Southern Magnolia Fields

In the first 3 years of southern magnolia seedling growth, to offset the drawbacks of large initial investment and no profitable output from field-planted trees in the early stage, small shrubs such as littleleaf boxwood, golden-leaf privet, and red-leaf barberry can be intercropped. During the first 3 years of intercropping small seedlings, 6000-7000 plants per mu at an average of 0.5 yuan per plant can yield more than 3000 yuan in income. After the 4th year, the southern magnolia has grown to 5-6 cm, and can then be sold selectively at about 80 yuan per plant. From then on, annual sales all generate income.

Cultivation points: When planting 1-year-old southern magnolia seedlings, use a plant spacing of 1.2-1.3 m and a row spacing of 1.5-1.7 m, with 300-400 plants per mu; plant two plants per bed. When intercropping small seedlings between southern magnolia beds, use a plant spacing of 15-20 cm and a row spacing of 25-30 cm, with 6000-7000 plants intercropped per mu.

Management measures: Regularly carry out intertillage, weeding, and fertilization. Apply foliar fertilizer 2-3 times per year: apply 1 application of compound fertilizer between March and April, 1 application of urea between May and June, and 1 more application of compound fertilizer at the end of July. For the small seedlings, apply 1 application of urea each spring, 20 kg per mu. In April, pay attention to controlling the tortricid moths that damage the young buds and young leaves of southern magnolia; spray 2-3 times with a 1000-fold dilution of 98% trichlorfon crystal.