How to plant Terminalia chebula? Detailed explanation of cultivation methods and technical key points
Terminalia chebula is a plant of the Combretaceae family, and it is also a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a very long history in China. Terminalia chebula has a very wide distribution range, and it can be seen in almost every province. Terminalia chebula has various effects such as stopping diarrhea and relieving cough, reducing fire and astringing the lungs, and is generally used to treat bloody stool and rectal prolapse, prolonged cough, and more. So how should Terminalia chebula be planted? Today, the editor brings you a simple process for the cultivation method of Terminalia chebula. Let's take a look below!
1. Site selection and land preparation
Terminalia chebula is suitable for growing in sandy soil with sufficient light, good drainage and irrigation, and sufficient water sources. After selecting the land, remove stones, root systems of previous crops, branches, weeds, and other materials from the plot. Then carry out land preparation work, deep plow and harrow finely, and make beds ready for planting. The specifications of the beds should be determined according to the planting area and terrain. Dig planting holes according to the planting density. The planting holes need to be determined according to the size specifications of the seedlings, usually with length and width controlled at about 45cm*35cm, and then apply sufficient base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly decomposed farmyard manure, supplemented by compound fertilizer, to improve soil fertility.
2. Seed selection and germination promotion
There are many varieties of Terminalia chebula. We should choose suitable planting varieties according to factors such as the local climate and soil. Select Terminalia chebula trees with strong growth, robust plants, and high yield and quality as seed trees. In winter, harvest mature and healthy fruits and take out the seeds, then clean the pulp on the seed coat, split the seed shell, and take out the kernel. Spread the kernels flat on wet sand, cover with a layer of fine sand, then place a layer of seeds, and repeat this cycle about 6 times, with the top layer covered with fine sand, water thoroughly, and cover with plastic film. They will germinate in about one week, and the germination rate can reach about 75%. When about 80% of the seeds have germinated, they can be sown.
3. Seedling raising and transplanting
The sowing method of Terminalia chebula is usually mainly hole sowing. Dig open the bed furrows, control the row and plant spacing for sowing, cover with fine soil after sowing, then spread a layer of rice straw, and water sufficiently. Improve the soil's ability to retain moisture and fertilizer, and promote seed germination. In summer drought, pay attention to shading work, keep the seedbed moist. Under normal management, they will germinate about 10 days after sowing. The seedling raising time of Terminalia chebula is relatively long, about 2 years. When the seedlings grow to about 1 meter, they can be transplanted and established. Most people now use seed propagation, but seed propagation has a long growth cycle and low yield, so seed propagation has gradually been eliminated and grafting propagation has been adopted instead.
4. Cultivation management
After the seedlings emerge, promptly uncover the rice straw, build a shade shed, and control the field shading degree at about 32%. Then when the seedlings grow to about 10 cm, start topdressing. Later, topdress about once every 2 months. With the increase in tree age, the amount of fertilization can gradually be increased. And pruning work should begin at the seedling stage, cutting off side branches on the stem to promote the growth of the main trunk and advance the planting time. When the young trees grow to about 150 cm, promptly pinch off the tips and prune branches to prevent excessive height growth, which is not conducive to later fruit harvesting.
The above is a brief introduction to the cultivation method of Terminalia chebula. The current seed propagation method is not conducive for old growers to use in production. If new growers begin large-scale planting, it can be appropriately adopted. Old growers should proficiently master grafting propagation, expand their planting area, and carry out production. For the specific grafting propagation method, please refer to previous articles. That's all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only and I hope it can help everyone!