Transplanting

Nursery management significantly influences the survival and transplanting rates of tea seedlings. Different ecological and physiological factors at various stages of development require distinct management approaches, depending on when the cuttings were taken. I. Development Cycle of Tea Seedlings When using short-shoot cuttings, the process from planting to developing a standard-compliant tea seedling can be divided into two phases: the pre-plant stage where the cutting is establishing itself, and the phase where a complete plant develops into a viable seedling. The survival rate during the first phase is critical in propagation techniques. Summer and early autumn cuttings have longer growth cycles and larger growth volumes, which often result in a significant number of weaker plants due to competition for nutrients and space, particularly in the second year of growth. To improve transplanting rates and seedling quality, the second phase is typically managed in two different periods: one when the seedling is less than 20 cm tall, focusing on promoting vigorous growth, and another once it surpasses 20 cm, implementing measures to control stronger plants while stimulating weaker ones. II. Element Management Nursery element management encompasses water, light, temperature, fertilization, pest and weed control, and plant regulation. Each of these elements…

(1) Choose the Appropriate Season In general, planting should coincide with the rainy season in the region, making it easier to succeed if planted just before or at the start of the rainy season. In most cases, when the weather is not dry in mid-to-late November to December in the south, the soil is moist and tea seedlings are in their dormant period. Autumn planting is conducive to root development and has a higher survival rate than spring planting. (2) Determine the Suitable Planting Pattern When planting, consider the adaptability for future mechanized management of the tea garden, such as the passage of machinery between rows and the placement of turning areas for machines. There are primarily two methods: single-row planting and double-row planting. ① Single-Row Planting. The row spacing is 1.3 to 1.5 meters, with a distance of 25 to 33 centimeters between clumps, and each clump contains 2 to 3 plants, using 2,500 to 4,000 seedlings per mu (about 0.067 hectares). In regions with lower temperatures or higher altitudes, the row spacing can be reduced to 1.2 to 1.3 meters, and the distance between clumps can be reduced to around 20 centimeters. ② Double-Row Planting. Two rows are…