Castanopsis Hystrix Seedling Growth Rhythm And Nursery Techniques

Castanopsis hystrix, as an evergreen tree of Fagaceae Castanopsis, is a precious native hardwood species with efficient multi-purpose use in southern China. Culture of seedling is the first important material basis of cultivation and the quantity and quality of seedlings are related to the speed and effectiveness of afforestation directly. The study on growth rhythm of seedlings of Castanopsis hystrix can provide the production with technical theory and give scientific advice about nurturing shade, fertilization, irrigation, etc. This experiment was established in nursery of Guangxi Forestry Research Acadamy in January 2009.Started from matrix, fertilization and seedling methods, we set up an experimental design with a specific experimental arrangement as follows:different matrix types (yellow mud, burned earth, ordinary topsoil, Castanopsis hystrix forest topsoil, ash and phosphate fertilizer) and the content ratio; different fertilizer types (potash fertilizer, nitrogen fertilizer and phosphate fertilizer), content ratio (mass ratio of 0.3%,0.5%, 0.7%) and fertilization methods (direct leaching and spray); observation of growth morphological indicators at the stage from seeds collection to replanting. Combined the cultivation technology with the observation of growth rhythm, we analyzed the data and got some results as follows:(1)Before sowing, seeds should be soaked with fresh water to remove parasites and debris in order to increase the germination rate. To promote germination of seeds stored in wet sand and take some effective measures to prevent seeds from infestation.(2) Compared seedling survival rate, height, diameter and biomass, we could knew that the optimal matrix formula was 100% pure yellow mud. Water retention is the main factor to affect seedling growth and the water retention of yellow mud is the best of all.(3) Compared seedling height, diameter and biomass, we analyzed data and got that the best combination of fertilizer on seedling growth was the 0.7% phosphate compound fertilizer applied with direct leaching. And Castanopsis hystrix seedlings had high requirements on fertility.(4) Compared seedling height, diameter and biomass and combined with the requirements of reforestation, we concluded that container seedlings are much easier to control water and fertilizer, preserve root integrity and improve resistance ability and survival rate, so container seedling nursery is the optimal cultivation method.(5) Depending on different matrix, fertilization and cultivation measures, we divided the whole year of growth into different growth phase(the fast growing phase, the middle growing phase and the slow growing phase) and developed a serial of seedling water-fertilizer control technology in various periods to increase seedlings lignification, develop seedlings root system so that the wood quality could be improved.