What are the key points of the seedling-raising techniques for red maple (Acer rubrum)?
At present, the market for red maple saplings is in a relatively chaotic state. Market prices for red maple saplings vary from region to region, which has caused red maple cultivation to enter a bottleneck period. There are many low-priced red maple seedlings on the market, but the number of pure varieties is scarce, so we need to increase the output of pure red maple saplings. So how should red maple be grown from seed? What kind of seedlings are of good quality? Today let us learn together about the seedling-raising techniques for red maple.
1. Selection and preparation of the seedling site
Red maple has strong adaptability to the environment and is characterized by a preference for moisture, tolerance to drought and tolerance to cold. Generally, for the red maple seedling site we choose a sunny area with strong soil water- and fertilizer-retention capacity, good permeability and convenient irrigation conditions for planting. Secondly, the soil pH of the planting site is best slightly acidic, a sandy loam with a pH value of around 6 to 7. Before sowing, the land should be deep-plowed at least 30 cm, the debris in the field cleared away and disinfected, which can reduce the harm some pests and diseases cause to red maple. Then add 5,000 kg of organic fertilizer to the soil, together with 100 jin of ternary compound fertilizer, and plow and level it again; finally level the soil, open furrows and make beds, and wait to plant.
2. Seed treatment and germination
Red maple seeds generally need to be treated before sowing, as this can increase their germination rate. First prepare an appropriate amount of river sand, wet it with water, then put the red maple seeds into the wet sand and mix evenly, then place them in an environment with a temperature of 3 to 4 degrees for low-temperature sand storage. During the sand storage period, we must check regularly; it is not necessary to wait until all of them have germinated before planting. As soon as any germinated seeds are found, they can be taken out and sown.
3. Sowing time and method
Red maple can be sown in spring and autumn, but most often we sow between March and April each year, as the emergence rate and survival rate of sowing during this period are both higher. In autumn it is generally between August and October each year. Before sowing, wet the seedling site, then evenly scatter the seeds on the seedbed, and cover with a thin layer of soil to bury the seeds. If we want to increase their emergence speed, we can also build a plastic shed, or cover with film, straw, etc.; but attention must be paid to ventilation. Under normal management, generally more than half a month after sowing the red maple seedlings will emerge completely.
4. Seedling stage management
After the red maple seedlings emerge, their growth rate is very slow, and their resistance is also very poor, so they need careful care. We should frequently spray water on the red maple seedlings so that the soil has a certain humidity, and during this period, promptly clear away the weeds growing in the field. Of course, appropriate loosening of the soil and earthing up can also be carried out, which can prevent lodging and at the same time improve the permeability of the soil and promote the absorption and utilization of nutrients. When the red maple seedlings grow to about 15 cm, thinning should be carried out, pulling out those that are diseased or pest-affected, weak and small, and appropriate replanting should also be done. Finally, according to the growth of the red maple seedlings, apply additional fertilizer to promote the growth of the saplings and improve their resistance. When pests and diseases occur, spray pesticides promptly for control.
That is all for the red maple seedling-raising techniques the editor wants to introduce to everyone today. I hope that in your future planting you can cultivate even better quality red maple saplings.