Licorice seedling substrate, preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a licorice seedling substrate, its preparation method, and its application, belonging to the field of crop cultivation technology. The licorice seedling substrate comprises: peat moss, anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and arborvitae cone shell powder; the particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm; the preparation method of the arborvitae cone shell powder includes: separating the shells from mature arborvitae fruits; drying and pulverizing the shells to obtain the arborvitae cone shell powder. The licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention can promote licorice growth and improve licorice quality. Results from embodiments show that the licorice seedling substrate can increase the germination rate of licorice, increase the plant height, stem diameter, root weight, and root diameter of licorice seedlings, which is beneficial for obtaining robust licorice seedlings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of crop cultivation technology, specifically relating to a licorice seedling substrate, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Organic ecological soilless cultivation technology refers to a soilless cultivation technique that does not use natural soil but uses a substrate; it does not use traditional nutrient solution irrigation for plant roots, but uses organic solid fertilizer and directly irrigates crops with clean water. Organic substrate refers to a relatively stable and buffered all-nutrient cultivation substrate material made of organic materials such as crop straw, mushroom residue, peat moss, sawdust, and livestock manure, which are fermented or treated at high temperatures and then mixed in a certain proportion.

[0003] Currently, several commonly used seedling substrates at home and abroad include: rock wool, vermiculite, peat moss, slag ash, mushroom residue, perlite, fine sand, carbonized rice husks, sawdust, coconut shell, reed dust, shavings, corn cob, rice bran, cottonseed hulls, tofu residue, and other substrates made from organic and inorganic materials and microbial preparations. These substrate raw materials are mixed in a certain proportion to provide a good growth environment for seedlings.

[0004] Licorice is a perennial herb belonging to the legume family. The root or rhizome of licorice is used medicinally as a tonic herb with various effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving phlegm and cough. Currently, the demand for licorice is constantly increasing. Artificial cultivation of licorice mostly adopts direct seeding, which easily leads to a low number of mature plants. Using soil as a seedling substrate for licorice has a high soil occupancy rate, and soil pollution from pesticides and heavy metals also seriously affects the yield and quality of licorice seedlings.

[0005] During the research project "Ecological Adaptability Study of Licorice in Saline-Alkali Land of Lanzhou New Area," a large number of licorice seedlings were needed to study the growth of the tested licorice under different salt stresses in the laboratory. However, it was found that simply applying existing soilless seedling cultivation methods usually failed to produce robust licorice seedlings or seedlings. Therefore, providing a suitable licorice seedling substrate is of great significance for the artificial cultivation of licorice. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a licorice seedling substrate that can promote the growth of licorice seedlings and reduce the incidence of diseases and pests.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention provides a licorice seedling substrate, which, by volume, comprises 8-10 parts peat moss, 0.5-1 part anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and 1-4 parts arborvitae cone shell powder. The particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm; The preparation method of the arborvitae cone shell powder includes: separating the shell from the mature arborvitae fruit; drying and pulverizing the shell to obtain arborvitae cone shell powder.

[0008] Preferably, by volume, the licorice seedling substrate comprises 9-10 parts peat moss, 0.7-1 parts anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and 3-3.3 parts arborvitae cone shell powder.

[0009] Preferably, by volume, the licorice seedling substrate comprises 10 parts peat moss, 1 part anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and 3.3 parts arborvitae cone shell powder.

[0010] This invention provides a method for preparing the licorice seedling substrate described in the above technical solution, comprising: Licorice seedling substrate is obtained by mixing peat moss, anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and arborvitae cone shell powder.

[0011] The present invention provides the application of the licorice seedling substrate described in the above technical solution or the licorice seedling substrate prepared by the preparation method described in the above technical solution in any one or both of the following (1) and (2): (1) Cultivation of licorice seedlings; (2) Improve the quality of licorice seedlings.

[0012] Preferably, the licorice includes any one or more of the following: Glycyrrhiza inflata, Glycyrrhiza nigra var. nigra, Glycyrrhiza nigra var. spinosa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra.

[0013] This invention provides a method for cultivating licorice seedlings, comprising: The licorice seedling substrate described in the above technical solution or the licorice seedling substrate prepared by the above technical solution is used as the cultivation substrate to cultivate licorice.

[0014] Preferably, the culture temperature is 7~30℃.

[0015] Preferably, during cultivation, licorice seeds are sown on top of the licorice seedling substrate and then covered with vermiculite.

[0016] Preferably, the thickness of the vermiculite coating is 1~2cm.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention provides a licorice seedling substrate, comprising, by volume, 8-10 parts peat moss, 0.5-1 parts anaerobic fermentation residue, and 1-4 parts arborvitae cone shell powder; the particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm; the preparation method of the arborvitae cone shell powder includes: separating the shell from mature arborvitae fruit; drying and pulverizing the shell to obtain arborvitae cone shell powder. The licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention contains peat moss that is weakly acidic, lightweight, with good drainage and aeration, strong water retention capacity, and high organic matter content. This provides sufficient nutrients and a suitable growing environment for licorice and other plants, thus promoting their growth. The anaerobic fermentation residue is rich in organic matter and microorganisms, which can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, and promote plant growth. The arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm is rich in various minerals and trace elements, which can meet the growth needs of licorice and other plants. It has good water retention and aeration properties, which can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, and promote root growth and development. It also contains some natural antibacterial components, which can inhibit the growth of pathogens and pests in the soil, reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests, improve crop resistance, and increase yield and quality. The licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention uses peat moss, anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and arborvitae cone shell powder as raw materials for licorice seedling substrate. These materials can synergistically promote the growth of licorice, significantly improve the germination rate, germination vigor, plant height, stem diameter, root weight, and root length of licorice, improve the quality of licorice, and increase the survival rate of seedlings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a product information image of the peat moss used in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 Image showing the collection of arborvitae cones; Figure 3 The diagram shows the preparation process of arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm; Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the specific preparation process of licorice seedling substrate; Figure 5 Figure showing the preparation of the licorice seedling substrate in the effect verification experiment of Example 1; Figure 6 This is an overall diagram showing the growth of licorice during the planting process, as shown in Example 1. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This invention provides a licorice seedling substrate, comprising, by volume, 8-10 parts peat moss, 0.5-1 parts anaerobic fermentation residue, and 1-4 parts arborvitae cone shell powder; the particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm; the preparation method of the arborvitae cone shell powder includes: separating the shell from mature arborvitae fruit; drying and pulverizing the shell to obtain arborvitae cone shell powder.

[0021] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the licorice seedling substrate comprises 8-10 parts by volume of peat moss, or 8, 9, or 10 parts. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, when the peat moss is used as a raw material for the licorice seedling substrate, the particle size of the peat moss can be ≤2mm, 0.075-2mm, or 0.45-1mm. The present invention selects peat moss as a raw material for the licorice seedling substrate because peat moss is weakly acidic, has good drainage and aeration properties, strong water retention capacity, and high organic matter content, which can provide sufficient nutrition and suitable growth conditions for the growth of licorice and other plants, thereby promoting the growth of licorice and other plants.

[0022] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the licorice seedling substrate includes 0.5-1 part of anaerobic fermented vegetable waste, or 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 part, based on the volume of peat moss. The present invention does not specifically limit the preparation method of the anaerobic fermented vegetable waste; any conventional anaerobic fermentation method for vegetable waste in the art can be used. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the preparation method of the anaerobic fermented vegetable waste refers to the method for preparing anaerobic fermented vegetable waste described in the published patent "A method for preparing organic fertilizer using vegetable waste, straw, and animal manure," patent publication number CN117567213A. The specific preparation method of the anaerobic fermented vegetable waste is as follows: after collecting the vegetable waste, crush the waste to obtain crushed waste; transfer the crushed waste to an anaerobic fermentation tank for anaerobic fermentation to obtain fermentation products; dry the fermentation products to obtain anaerobic fermented vegetable waste. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the vegetable waste includes baby bok choy, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage waste; the mass ratio of the baby bok choy, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage waste can be 1:1:1:1:1:1. After obtaining the mixed vegetable waste, the present invention pulverizes the mixed vegetable waste. The present invention does not have a special limitation on the pulverization method, and any conventional pulverization method of the present invention can be used. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the particle size of the pulverized vegetable waste can be 3-5 mm, or 3, 4, or 5 mm. After obtaining the pulverized vegetable waste, the pulverized vegetable waste is transferred to an anaerobic fermentation tank and subjected to anaerobic fermentation under natural conditions for 20 days to obtain the fermentation product. In the anaerobic fermentation process, the present invention mainly relies on the enzymes secreted by hydrolytic bacteria carried in the vegetable waste to decompose the large molecular organic matter in the vegetable waste, such as cellulose, protein, and fat, into small molecular organic matter, such as monosaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids.

[0023] After obtaining the fermentation product, the present invention preferably performs solid-liquid separation on the fermentation product, and then dries the resulting fermentation product, vegetable residue, to obtain anaerobic fermented vegetable residue. The present invention does not specifically limit the method of solid-liquid separation; any conventional solid-liquid separation method in the art can be used. After solid-liquid separation, the present invention dries the fermentation product, vegetable residue. The present invention does not specifically limit the drying method; any conventional drying method in the art can be used. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the drying method can be sun-drying; the drying can be performed until the moisture content is ≤15%. After drying, the present invention obtains anaerobic fermented vegetable residue. In the present invention, the anaerobic fermented vegetable residue residue is rich in organic matter and microorganisms, which can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, and promote plant growth.

[0024] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the licorice seedling substrate includes 1-4 parts, or 3-3.3 parts, of arborvitae cone shell powder by volume. In the present invention, the particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder ranges from 0.075 to 0.45, and can be 0.1-0.45. In this embodiment of the present invention, the particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm, wherein the mass ratio of arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size <0.1mm to arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size of 0.1-0.45mm is 7:4. In this invention, the arborvitae cone shell powder has a high organic matter content and contains volatile oils, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, etc. It has bactericidal and antiviral effects and can be used to prevent and control crop diseases and pests, protect crop health, and contains substances that promote plant growth, such as cedrol. Therefore, as a raw material for licorice seedling substrate, it is beneficial to promote licorice growth and improve the quality of licorice.

[0025] In this invention, the preparation method of the arborvitae cone shell powder includes: separating the shell from mature arborvitae fruits; drying and pulverizing the shell to obtain arborvitae cone shell powder. As an optional embodiment of this invention, the preparation method of the arborvitae cone shell powder can be: collecting mature arborvitae cones to obtain arborvitae cones; after removing the shells, drying, pulverizing, and sieving the shells sequentially to obtain arborvitae cone shell powder. This invention does not specifically limit the source of the arborvitae cones; conventional arborvitae cones in the art can be used. The arborvitae cones in this invention are taken from arborvitae trees planted on campus. The standard for judging the maturity of arborvitae cones in this invention can be: the shell of the arborvitae cone is slightly cracked or its color changes from green to brown. After collecting mature arborvitae cones, this invention preferably removes the shells. This invention does not specifically limit the method for removing the shells of arborvitae cones; conventional methods in the art can be used. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the method for obtaining the shells of the arborvitae cones can be to dry the arborvitae cones in the sun, then beat them with a willow stick to remove the seeds, leaving the shells. After obtaining the arborvitae cone shells, the present invention preferably dries them. The present invention does not specifically limit the drying method; any conventional drying method in the art can be used. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the drying method can be air drying; the air drying can be to a moisture content ≤15%, or 7.5%~15%, or 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, or 7.5%. After drying, the present invention preferably pulverizes the dried arborvitae cone shells. The present invention does not specifically limit the pulverizing method; any conventional pulverizing method in the art can be used. After obtaining the pulverized arborvitae cone shells, the present invention sieves them. As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the sieve aperture can be 40 mesh. The present invention preferably obtains arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm through sieving. In an embodiment of the present invention, the arborvitae cone shell powder yielding a fine powder ≤0.45mm is 92.3%.

[0026] The licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention combines peat moss, anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm. These three components serve as the raw materials for the licorice seedling substrate, resulting in a substrate rich in various minerals and trace elements, which promote plant growth. It also possesses good water retention and aeration, improving soil structure and increasing soil fertility, thus benefiting root growth and development. Furthermore, it contains natural antibacterial components that inhibit the growth of pathogens and pests in the soil, reducing the occurrence of diseases and pests. The licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention promotes root development in licorice, enhances its resistance to adverse conditions, and increases its yield and quality. Results from the embodiments demonstrate that the licorice seedling substrate promotes the growth of licorice seedlings, increases seed germination rate, seedling height and stem diameter, and improves seedling quality, thereby contributing to the cultivation of robust licorice seedlings.

[0027] This invention provides a method for preparing the licorice seedling substrate described in the above-mentioned technical solution, comprising: mixing peat moss, anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and arborvitae cone shell powder to obtain the licorice seedling substrate. This invention does not specifically limit the mixing method; any conventional mixing method in the art can be used. The method for preparing the licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention is simple and easy to implement, which is conducive to the widespread use of the licorice seedling substrate.

[0028] This invention provides the application of the licorice seedling substrate described in the above-described technical solution or the licorice seedling substrate prepared by the above-described technical solution in any one or both of the following (1) and (2): (1) licorice seedling cultivation; (2) improving the quality of licorice seedlings. As an optional embodiment of this invention, the licorice includes any one or more of *Glycyrrhiza uralensis*, *Glycyrrhiza uralensis* No. 1, *Glycyrrhiza pilosa*, and *Glycyrrhiza glabra*. The licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention can be used for the cultivation of licorice seedlings, increasing the plant height, stem diameter, root weight, and root diameter of licorice seedlings, improving the growth rate of licorice, and thus improving the quality of licorice seedlings, providing a basis and foundation for large-scale licorice cultivation.

[0029] This invention provides a method for cultivating licorice seedlings, comprising: using the licorice seedling substrate described in the above-described technical solution or the licorice seedling substrate prepared by the preparation method described in the above-described technical solution as a cultivation substrate to cultivate licorice seeds. As an optional embodiment of this invention, during cultivation, licorice seeds are sown on top of the licorice seedling substrate and then covered with vermiculite; the thickness of the covering can be 1-2 cm, or 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 cm. The use of vermiculite to cover the seeds during the cultivation of licorice in the above-described licorice seedling substrate is mainly because vermiculite has good water retention and air permeability. Covering the seeds provides a stable humidity environment for seed germination, while preventing substrate compaction and facilitating seed emergence; vermiculite can also regulate the microenvironment, fix the seeds, and prevent seed displacement during watering or movement, ensuring uniform sowing. In this invention, the thickness of the vermiculite covering ensures normal seed emergence and growth. If the vermiculite covering thickness provided by this invention is too thick (greater than 2.0 cm), seed germination and emergence will be delayed; if it is too thin (less than 1.0 cm), seeds may easily emerge with their caps still attached or the radicle may protrude and be exposed outside the substrate, which is detrimental to seedling growth. As an optional embodiment of this invention, the cultivation temperature can be 7~30℃, 10~28℃, or 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30℃. In this embodiment of the invention, licorice is planted at room temperature, where the lowest temperature of the day is ≥7℃ and the highest temperature is ≤30℃.

[0030] To further illustrate the present invention, the technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but these should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The peat moss used in the following embodiments of the present invention was purchased from Shandong Dengjian Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., and its product name is: peat moss, granular cultivation medium, organic mineral formed by the accumulation of dead and decaying above-ground plants. Related product information for peat moss is shown in the image below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0032] The licorice seeds used in the following examples all came from the "Gansu Province Jiuquan City Licorice Biological Breeding Research Institute".

[0033] Example 1 A licorice seedling substrate, by volume, comprises: 10 parts peat moss, 1 part anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and 3 parts arborvitae cone shell powder; wherein the arborvitae cone shell powder is arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm.

[0034] The preparation method of anaerobic fermentation vegetable waste is as follows: Vegetable waste from baby bok choy, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage is collected and mixed in a mass ratio of 1:1:1:1:1:1 to obtain mixed waste. The mixed waste is then crushed into 3-5mm particles and transferred to an anaerobic fermentation tank. Utilizing the hydrolytic bacteria naturally present in the waste, anaerobic fermentation is carried out for 20 days to obtain the fermentation product. The fermentation product is then subjected to solid-liquid separation using a solid-liquid separation device to obtain fermentation product vegetable waste residue with a moisture content of 65%. After obtaining the fermentation product vegetable waste residue with a moisture content of 65%, it is dried naturally until the moisture content is ≤15%, thus obtaining anaerobic fermented vegetable waste residue.

[0035] The preparation method of arborvitae cone shell powder is as follows: Arborvitae cones are collected after maturity; see attached image for collection details. Figure 2 The criteria for judging the maturity of arborvitae cones are: the cone shell is slightly cracked or the color changes from green to brown. After collecting mature arborvitae cones, they are air-dried and then threshed with willow sticks to remove the seeds, leaving the cone shells. The cone shells are then air-dried until the moisture content is 7.5%, pulverized using a pulverizer, and passed through a 40-mesh sieve. The material passing through the sieve is collected to obtain arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm. A detailed diagram of the preparation process for arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm can be found in the image. Figure 3 The particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm, wherein the mass ratio of arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size <0.1mm to arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size of 0.1~0.45mm is 7:4. After the above-mentioned pulverization process, the present invention achieves a 92.3% rate of fine powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm from the arborvitae cone shell.

[0036] Before preparing the licorice seedling substrate, the peat moss was crushed to obtain peat moss with a particle size ≤2mm. The peat moss used here accounted for 67.3% of the particles <0.45mm, 31.2% of the particles 0.45~0.5mm, 1.0% of the particles 0.5~1mm, and 0.5% of the particles 1~2mm.

[0037] The preparation method of licorice seedling substrate is as follows: Peat moss, anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and arborvitae cone shell powder are mixed in a specific volume ratio to obtain the licorice seedling substrate. The detailed preparation process is illustrated in the diagram below. Figure 4 As shown.

[0038] Example 2 A licorice seedling substrate, by volume, comprises: 10 parts peat moss, 1 part anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and 3.3 parts arborvitae cone shell powder.

[0039] The source or preparation method of the raw materials for licorice seedling substrate and the preparation method of licorice seedling substrate are the same as in Example 1.

[0040] The test report of the licorice seedling substrate prepared in Example 2 is shown in Table 1.

[0041] Table 1. Nutrient element detection results of the licorice seedling substrate prepared in Example 2

[0042] Comparative Example 1 A licorice seedling substrate, by volume, comprises: 10 parts peat moss and 1 part anaerobic fermented vegetable residue.

[0043] The source or preparation method of the raw materials for licorice seedling substrate and the preparation method of licorice seedling substrate are the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Comparative Example 2 A licorice seedling substrate, by volume, comprises: 10 parts peat moss, 1 part anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and 2.2 parts arborvitae cone shell powder.

[0045] The preparation method of the arborvitae cone shell powder is the same as in Example 2, except that after obtaining the arborvitae cone shell powder, the arborvitae cone shell powder with a particle size of 0.45~0.50mm is used as the raw material for licorice seedling substrate.

[0046] The sources or preparation methods of other raw materials for licorice seedling substrate, as well as the preparation method of licorice seedling substrate, are the same as in Example 1.

[0047] Comparative Example 3 A licorice seedling substrate, by volume, is composed of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, and 1 part perlite.

[0048] The preparation method of licorice seedling substrate is as follows: mix peat moss, vermiculite and perlite according to volume parts to obtain licorice seedling substrate.

[0049] Application Example 1 Licorice seedlings were cultured using the licorice seedling substrates of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-3.

[0050] The experiment was conducted in a semi-intelligent greenhouse on the campus of Lanzhou Modern Vocational College.

[0051] The experiment will begin on September 30, 2024.

[0052] Experimental methods: Pretreatment of licorice seedling substrate: Use a fine-nozzle watering can or sprayer to pre-wet the licorice seedling substrates of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-3 to the point that they can be formed into a ball when squeezed in the hand, but will crumble when dropped on the ground.

[0053] Filling the licorice seedling substrate: Fill the licorice seedling substrates of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-3 into 50-cell trays respectively. Gently press the licorice seedling substrate with your hands to ensure that each cell is filled with a firm and evenly distributed substrate. Then scrape off any excess substrate with a scraper. Seedling substrate preparation is as follows: Figure 5 As shown.

[0054] Sow at a depth of 1-2cm. Place a seedling tray of the same size directly above the seedling tray filled with substrate, making sure it is aligned vertically and horizontally. Make sure to punch holes, otherwise the sowing holes will be off-center. When planting licorice seeds, place the licorice seeds in the exact center of the holes.

[0055] Sowing: Sow the licorice root with inflated fruit ( Glycyrrhiza inflate Bat.), Ganyu Licorice No. 1, Prickly Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora Maxim.) and licorice root ( Glycyrrhiza glabra Four types of licorice seeds (L.) were planted in different licorice seedling substrates, serving as experimental groups for different licorice seedling substrates. The licorice seeds were manually sown in the center of each seed cell. Each experiment was conducted in triplicate, with nine seed cells per licorice variety.

[0056] Covering: Cover the licorice seeds with vermiculite, with a thickness of 1-2 cm.

[0057] Watering: Fill a sprayer with water and thoroughly water the substrate until water seeps out of the drainage holes at the bottom of each cell. Covering: Finally, cover the burrowing tray tightly with plastic film to keep it warm and moist.

[0058] The growth of licorice during cultivation is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0059] On November 11, 2024, the growth of licorice seedlings in each experimental group was tested. The seedling height test results of licorice in each experimental group are shown in Table 2.

[0060] Table 2. Results of seedling height detection for licorice in each experimental group.

[0061] Table 2 shows that the licorice seedling substrate of Example 2 significantly promoted the growth of the four types of licorice seedlings, increased their height, and improved their growth quality compared to the licorice seedling substrates of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. A comparison of the results of Example 2 and Comparative Example 1 indicates that adding Platycladus orientalis cone shell powder to the licorice seedling substrate significantly increased the height of the licorice seedlings. A comparison of the results of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 also shows that adding Platycladus orientalis cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm to the licorice seedling substrate significantly increased the height of the licorice seedlings, while adding Platycladus orientalis cone shell powder with a particle size of 0.45~0.5mm not only failed to promote the growth of licorice seedlings but also had a negative impact on their growth compared to Comparative Example 1. In conclusion, adding peat moss and anaerobic fermented vegetable residue to the licorice seedling substrate, along with Platycladus orientalis cone shell powder with a particle size ≤0.45mm, is beneficial for promoting the growth of licorice seedlings.

[0062] The growth of licorice in each experimental group was observed during the growth process, and the results are shown in Table 3.

[0063] Table 3. Growth of licorice in each experimental group during the licorice growth process.

[0064] As shown in Table 3, the licorice seedling substrate provided in Examples 1-2 of the present invention can not only promote the growth of licorice seedlings, but also significantly reduce the damage caused by diseases and pests to licorice seedlings and improve the quality of licorice seedlings.

[0065] On January 7, 2025, the root weight and root thickness of licorice seedlings cultured in the licorice seedling substrate of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-2 were measured, and the results are shown in Tables 4-5.

[0066] Table 4. Root weight test results of licorice seedlings cultured in licorice seedling substrate in Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-2.

[0067] Note: The vegetable residue in the table refers to the vegetable residue from anaerobic fermentation, and the same applies below.

[0068] Table 5. Results of average root thickness measurement of *Glycyrrhiza uralensis* seedlings cultured in *Glycyrrhiza uralensis* seedling substrate in Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-2.

[0069] As shown in Tables 4-5, the licorice seedling substrate provided by the present invention can significantly increase the root weight of licorice seedlings and significantly increase the root diameter of licorice compared with Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2.

[0070] Application Examples 2 through 5 are from the same batch of experiments, using the same batch of licorice, Knight No. 2 cabbage, and "Peacock Green" lettuce seeds.

[0071] Application Example 2 Seedlings were cultured using licorice seedling substrate.

[0072] The experiment was conducted in a semi-intelligent greenhouse on the campus of Lanzhou Modern Vocational College.

[0073] The experiment will begin on June 19, 2025.

[0074] Composition of the seedling substrate: By volume, the licorice seedling substrate consists of: 10 parts peat moss, 1 part anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and 3.3 parts arborvitae cone shell powder. The sources and preparation methods of the raw materials for the licorice seedling substrate, as well as the preparation method of the licorice seedling substrate, are the same as in Example 1.

[0075] Experimental methods: Pretreatment of licorice seedling substrate: Use a fine-nozzle watering can or sprayer to pre-wet the licorice seedling substrate until it can be formed into a ball when squeezed in the hand, but crumbles when dropped on the ground.

[0076] Filling the licorice seedling substrate: Fill the seedling substrate into the seedling trays, and gently press the substrate with your hands to make each seedling tray full and evenly filled with substrate. Then scrape off the excess substrate with a scraper.

[0077] Sow seeds at a depth of 1-2 cm. Place a seedling tray of the same size directly above the seedling tray filled with substrate, ensuring it is aligned vertically and horizontally. Make sure the holes are punched correctly; otherwise, the sowing holes will be off-center. This method is used for planting licorice seeds, cabbage seeds, and lettuce seeds. Place the seeds in the exact center of the hole. The cabbage variety used is Knight No. 2 cabbage; the lettuce variety used is "Peacock Green" lettuce.

[0078] Sowing: Plant four types of seeds—Ganyu Licorice No. 1 (referred to as Ganyu), Guangguo Licorice (referred to as Guangguo), Knight No. 2 Chinese cabbage, and "Peacock Green" lettuce—in the licorice seedling substrate described above. Sow the seeds manually in the center of each cell. Use a 12-cell tray, sowing 2 seeds per cell.

[0079] Covering: Cover the licorice seeds with vermiculite, with a thickness of 1-2 cm.

[0080] Watering: Fill a sprayer with water and thoroughly water the substrate until water seeps out of the drainage holes at the bottom of each cell. Covering: Finally, cover the burrowing tray tightly with plastic film to keep it warm and moist.

[0081] After the experiment began, from June 19 to July 1, the germination status of seedlings in each experimental group was counted daily. On July 2, the germination rate and germination potential were counted. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0082] Table 6. Effects of licorice seedling substrate on germination rate and germination potential

[0083] As shown in Table 6, the licorice seedling substrate can promote the growth of licorice seedlings to a certain extent and improve the germination rate and germination potential of licorice seedlings, but it is not conducive to the growth of Knight No. 2 cabbage and "Peacock Green" lettuce. Knight No. 2 cabbage and "Peacock Green" lettuce can hardly germinate in this seedling substrate.

[0084] Application Example 3 Seedlings were cultured using licorice seedling substrate.

[0085] The experiment was conducted in a semi-intelligent greenhouse on the campus of Lanzhou Modern Vocational College.

[0086] The experiment will begin on June 19, 2025.

[0087] Composition of the seedling substrate: By volume, the licorice seedling substrate consists of 10 parts peat moss and 3.3 parts arborvitae cone shell powder. The source and preparation method of the raw materials for the licorice seedling substrate, as well as the preparation method of the licorice seedling substrate, are the same as in Example 1.

[0088] The experimental method is the same as in application example 2.

[0089] From June 19 to July 1, the germination of seedlings in each experimental group was recorded daily after the start of the experiment. The germination rate and germination potential were recorded on July 2. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0090] Table 7. Effects of licorice seedling substrate on germination rate and germination potential

[0091] Application Example 4 Seedlings are cultivated using seedling substrate.

[0092] The experiment was conducted in a semi-intelligent greenhouse on the campus of Lanzhou Modern Vocational College.

[0093] The experiment will begin on June 19, 2025.

[0094] Composition of the seedling substrate: peat moss. The source of raw materials for the licorice seedling substrate is the same as in Example 1.

[0095] Seeds of various Chinese cabbage varieties, including Knight No. 2 cabbage, "Peacock Green" lettuce, licorice with inflated fruit (referred to as inflated fruit), licorice with sweet fruit No. 1 (referred to as sweet fruit), licorice with spiny fruit (referred to as spiny fruit), licorice with smooth fruit (referred to as smooth fruit), and licorice with Ural (referred to as Ural), were raised using peat moss seedling substrate.

[0096] The experimental method is the same as in application example 2.

[0097] From June 19 to July 1, the germination status of seedlings in each experimental group was statistically analyzed daily. On July 2, the germination rate and germination potential were statistically analyzed, and the results are shown in Table 8.

[0098] Table 8. Effects of seedling substrate on germination rate and germination potential

[0099] Application Example 5 Seedlings are cultivated using seedling substrate.

[0100] The experiment was conducted in a semi-intelligent greenhouse on the campus of Lanzhou Modern Vocational College.

[0101] The experiment will begin on June 19, 2025.

[0102] Composition of the seedling substrate: The licorice seedling substrate is composed of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite in a volume ratio of 2:1:1. The source of the raw materials for the licorice seedling substrate and the preparation method of the licorice seedling substrate are the same as in Example 1.

[0103] Seeds of *Glycyrrhiza inflata* (abbreviated as *Inflata*), *Glycyrrhiza nigra* No. 1 (abbreviated as *Glycyrrhiza nigra*), *Glycyrrhiza pilosa* (abbreviated as *Pyrrosia lingua*), *Glycyrrhiza glabra* (abbreviated as *Glycyrrhiza glabra*), and *Glycyrrhiza urans* (abbreviated as *Ural*) were respectively raised using the above-mentioned seedling substrate.

[0104] The experimental method is the same as in application example 2.

[0105] From June 19 to July 1, the germination of seedlings in each experimental group was recorded daily after the start of the experiment. The germination rate and germination potential were recorded on July 2. The results are shown in Table 9.

[0106] Table 9. Effects of seedling substrate on germination rate and germination potential

[0107] As shown in Tables 6-9, the licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention is not suitable for cultivating Knight No. 2 cabbage and 'Peacock Green' lettuce seedlings, and cannot promote germination of Knight No. 2 cabbage and 'Peacock Green' lettuce. It is speculated that a certain substance contained in the fruit shell powder of Platycladus orientalis cones is detrimental to the germination and seedling cultivation of Knight No. 2 cabbage and 'Peacock Green' lettuce seeds. However, the licorice seedling substrate provided by this invention can significantly improve the germination rate and germination potential of different types of licorice and promote the growth of licorice seedlings.

[0108] Although the above embodiments have provided a detailed description of the present invention, they are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. People can obtain other embodiments based on these embodiments without creative effort, and these embodiments all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A licorice seedling substrate, characterized in that, By volume, the composition is: 10 parts peat moss, 1 part anaerobic fermentation waste vegetable residue, and 3.3 parts arborvitae cone shell powder. The particle size of the arborvitae cone shell powder is ≤0.45mm; The method for preparing the arborvitae cone shell powder includes: separating the shell from mature arborvitae fruits; drying and pulverizing the shell to obtain arborvitae cone shell powder; The method for preparing the anaerobic fermentation residue is as follows: after collecting the residue, crush the residue to obtain crushed residue; transfer the crushed residue to an anaerobic fermentation tank for anaerobic fermentation to obtain fermentation products; dry the fermentation products to obtain anaerobic fermentation residue. The vegetable scraps include baby bok choy, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage scraps; the mass ratio of the baby bok choy, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage scraps is 1:1:1:1:1:1; The particle size of the crushed vegetable waste is 3-5mm; The anaerobic fermentation time is 20 days; The moisture content of the anaerobic fermentation residue is ≤15%.

2. A method for preparing the licorice seedling substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: Licorice seedling substrate is obtained by mixing peat moss, anaerobic fermented vegetable residue, and arborvitae cone shell powder.

3. The application of the licorice seedling substrate according to claim 1 or the licorice seedling substrate prepared by the preparation method according to claim 2 in any one or both of the following (1) and (2): (1) Cultivation of licorice seedlings; (2) Improve the quality of licorice seedlings.

4. The application according to claim 3, characterized in that, The licorice includes any one or more of the following: Glycyrrhiza inflata, Glycyrrhiza nigra var. ...

5. A method for cultivating licorice seedlings, characterized in that, include: Licorice is cultivated using the licorice seedling substrate described in claim 1 or the licorice seedling substrate prepared by the preparation method described in claim 2 as the cultivation substrate.

6. The seedling raising method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The culture temperature is 7~30℃.

7. The seedling raising method according to claim 5, characterized in that, During cultivation, licorice seeds are sown on top of the licorice seedling substrate and then covered with vermiculite.

8. The seedling raising method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vermiculite layer is 1-2 cm thick.

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