Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Understory Cultivation of Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra chinensis belongs to the Magnoliaceae family and is a perennial woody climbing medicinal plant. Schisandra chinensis treats cough due to lung deficiency, thirst with spontaneous sweating, seminal emission from overexertion, insomnia, chronic diarrhea, hepatitis and other conditions, and is a precious Chinese medicinal material.

Schisandra chinensis has been cultivated since the early 1990s. Farm 852 introduced Schisandra chinensis cultivation in 2003, with outstanding benefits. After reaching full fruit-bearing stage, it produces 9000 kg of fresh fruit per hectare per year, with a fresh-to-dry ratio of 4.5:1, about 2000 kg of dried fruit, with an output value of 60,000 to 80,000 yuan. Its economic value is very high, but the one-time investment cost is relatively high, and it takes 3 to 5 years to see results.

I. Understory Cultivation Methods for Schisandra chinensis

1. Site selection: In the understory, select a site with good drainage on a gentle slope of 5 to 15 degrees. Generally, shady slopes favor seedling growth, and the groundwater level should be below 1 m. Since it grows in one place for many years, the soil layer must be deep. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral. The planting area should have a frost-free period of more than 115 days, with accumulated temperature above 2300 degrees C for temperatures greater than 10 degrees C. For artificial cultivation of Schisandra chinensis, after site selection, plan the forest roads well.

2. Light regulation: Light is an important factor for fast growth and high yield of Schisandra chinensis. Thinning should be carried out in the selected woodland: first, cut out overly dense vines and shrubs; second, adjust the tree canopy so that the canopy density reaches about 0.3. However, as Schisandra chinensis grows, its light requirement becomes increasingly strong, and after tending, the trees grow vigorously, so the tree canopy must be adjusted every year.

3. Land preparation and hole expansion: First clear the litter layer and remove the sod, then expand the holes. Timing: mid-April in spring, or September to October in autumn when the leaves turn yellow. At a row spacing of 120 x 50 cm and plant spacing of 120 x 50 cm, dig holes 30 to 35 cm deep and 30 cm in diameter, and apply 1 to 2 kg of base fertilizer per hole.

4. Seedling selection: Schisandra chinensis seedlings are planted out after 1 year of raising. Select robust seedlings with well-developed root systems and no pests or diseases for planting.

5. Planting method: Plant one seedling per spot, spread the root system out, fill with soil until half full, then lift the seedling, firm the soil, and water. After the water seeps in, seal the hole with soil, and cover with soil up to slightly above the root crown. After 15 days, check the seedlings and fill in gaps. For autumn planting, check and fill in gaps in the second spring when the seedlings turn green. Use 2000 seedlings per mu.

II. Field Management of Schisandra chinensis

1. Watering: Schisandra chinensis likes moisture and should be watered frequently. Irrigate during the bud break stage, flowering stage, fruiting stage, and fruit enlargement stage. During the rainy season, drain excess water promptly. Watering once before overwintering helps it survive the winter.

2. Loosening soil and weeding: After planting, loosen the soil and weed frequently by clearing trenches and hilling up soil. The first time is in mid-to-late May, when a large number of small weeds appear; the second time is in June to July combined with topdressing; the third time is in August, and make a tree basin to facilitate irrigation.

3. Fertilization management: Fertilizer has a huge impact on tree growth, flowering, and fruiting. Combined with loosening the soil and watering, topdressing can be done 2 to 3 times. The first time is during the leaf expansion stage; the second time is after flowering. Each time, apply 2.5 to 5 kg of barnyard manure per plant, plus 50 g of superphosphate. Open a ring-shaped ditch 15 to 20 cm deep 30 cm from the root, apply the barnyard manure, and then cover with soil.

4. Trellising: Build the trellis in the second year after planting. Wooden poles can be used as posts, one post every 4 to 6 m, with about 2 m above ground ensured. At a spacing of 60 cm, use No. 8 iron wire to run three horizontal wires along the upper part of the posts. Set 1 to 2 wooden poles at each plant's main vine, 2.5 m tall, and fix them with tying rope, guiding the vines to climb the trellis with a right-handed twist. In suitable woodland plots, shrubs left in advance can be used as supports to reduce costs.

5. Pest and disease control: According to the situation, use poisoned bait to trap and kill larvae. For controlling Schisandra chinensis diseases: (1) For root rot during the onset period, drench the roots with a 500- to 1000-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim or apply lime sulfur mixture. (2) For leaf blight, the control methods include spraying 1:1:120 Bordeaux mixture before onset, once every 7 days. In the early stage of the disease, spray an 800- to 1000-fold dilution of 50% thiophanate-methyl. The number of spray applications depends on the condition of the disease.

It can be seen that Schisandra chinensis likes light and tolerates shade, but only during the seedling stage should it avoid direct sunlight and requires moderate shading. Loose, fertile soil, sufficient moisture, and a deep soil layer are conducive to root development.