Detailed Explanation of Drought Prevention and Drought Resistance Technical Measures for Tea Seedlings

Whether a newly developed improved-variety tea garden can achieve full stands, uniform seedlings and grow well into a mature plantation depends first and foremost on whether it can safely pass through the summer-autumn drought period. This year's climate is quite unusual; just after the plum rain ended, the scorching sun hung overhead, and since early July there has been continuous high temperature, with some districts and counties experiencing 38°C-39°C for 7-8 consecutive days, severely threatening the growth, development and survival of tea seedlings. In our city, tea seedlings are most easily killed by sunburn in July and August, so how to do a good job in drought prevention and drought resistance for seedlings is crucial. Six aspects must be achieved: "shade", "cover", "irrigate", "fertilize", "treat", and "remove": Shade: Insert wheat straw or rice straw somewhat taller than the tea seedlings into the soil on the sun-facing side of the tea seedlings, to provide shade, avoid direct sun exposure, and prevent damage caused by dry hot winds. This method uses local materials, is simple and effective. Cover: Use cut grass to spread over the garden, and rice straw, agricultural bran, medicinal residues, etc. can also be used as mulch, which can both conserve soil and water and improve the soil, achieving a good effect of drought prevention and drought resistance. Irrigate: When high temperature and drought occur, sprinkler irrigation is best if conditions permit, and manual watering can also be used. Sprinkler irrigation can be carried out in the evening, and the amount sprayed depends on the degree of soil dryness. Watering can be combined with well-rotted dilute human manure and urine for better drought resistance. Fertilize: Fertilization can also improve drought resistance. When drought comes or when drought damage has already occurred, applying fertilizer before drought damage occurs gives a better effect. After tea seedlings obtain nutrients, plant growth accelerates, especially making the tea seedling root system well developed, improving water absorption capacity and drought resistance. Generally, human manure and urine or livestock manure fertilizer is used; pay attention to dilution, once every 10 days or half a month. Treat: Young tea seedlings grow tender and plump and are susceptible to pests and diseases, so timely inspection should be carried out and the right medicine applied to prevent and control pests and diseases, ensuring healthy growth of tea seedlings and helping to improve drought resistance. Remove: In summer, weeds grow in profusion, competing with tea seedlings for water, fertilizer and space, increasing soil evaporation, and possibly accelerating pest and disease damage. In production, shallow tillage and weeding can be carried out to cut off soil capillaries, but attention should be paid to keeping a certain distance from the tea seedlings when cutting grass, and never injure the roots.