Under-forest ultra-short corn expanding planting method and application

Abstract

According to the under-forest ultra-short corn expanding planting method and application, through system integration in the aspects of variety selection, forest stand structure optimization, water and fertilizer integration, mechanical matching, ecological safety management and the like, stable planting and high yield of corn in an under-forest environment are achieved; and the annual availability and the unit area comprehensive income of the forest land are obviously improved. According to the method, the adaptability of the variety and the forest environment is particularly emphasized, and the risk of poor growth and development of the corn and the influence on forest growth are reduced by controlling the plant height and the ear height of the corn; light energy utilization is optimized through strip-shaped layout and light window design, intelligent water and fertilizer management and ecological prevention and control measures are combined, and the stability of corn growth and development and yield is effectively guaranteed. Meanwhile, the method is compatible with two product routes of silage and grains, assists the integrated development of planting and breeding, has high regional adaptability and popularization value, provides reliable technical support for a forest-grain or forest-grass compound system, and has remarkable ecological, social and economic benefits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of integrated agroforestry, three-dimensional planting and comprehensive utilization of feed grains, and in particular to a method and application for expanding the planting of ultra-dwarf maize under forest cover. Background Technology

[0002] Existing understory crop development mainly focuses on shade-tolerant legumes, medicinal plants, or cash crops. Although some research has attempted to introduce dwarf or silage maize, significant gaps remain in sustainable and stable yields, adaptability to complete sets of machinery, and replicability and promotion across different forest types. In particular, there is a lack of methods for synergistically optimizing maize plant height, ear position, root-crop structure, and stand canopy closure and light distribution. This leads to problems such as excessive vegetative growth, lodging, low seed setting rate, and harvesting difficulties in understory environments, as well as affecting the growth, development, yield, and quality of forest fruits, thus hindering the development of forest-grain (feed) integrated systems.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field to develop a systematic, efficient and convenient, and ecologically compatible understory maize planting technology to achieve efficient utilization of understory resources and sustainable development of agroforestry systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and application for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides a method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover, comprising the following steps: S1. Selection of varieties and plant traits: Select or cultivate super dwarf maize varieties with plant height ≤1.30m, ear height ≤0.60m, short stem internodes, high mechanical strength, well-developed root system and small inclination angle; S2. Stand spatial improvement: Adjusting the stand structure by retaining rows, thinning, or directional pruning to create light windows and mechanical passageways that allow ventilation and light penetration. The tree row spacing is ≥1.5 meters and the understory passage width is ≥0.8 meters. S3. Planting layout and density design: adopt strip or strip layout, depending on the forest land type, the corn strip width should be more than 0.3 meters, with equal row spacing or wide and narrow rows, and plant more than 2 rows of corn, with an average row spacing of 0.45-0.60 meters, and a planting density of 60,000-95,000 plants / hectare. When the canopy closure is ≥0.6, the density should be reduced by 5-15%. S4. Flood irrigation or fertigation, with a total pure nitrogen application rate of 120-180 kg / ha, phosphorus pentoxide of 90-150 kg / ha, and potassium oxide of 90-150 kg / ha; fertigation is implemented by deploying a low-pressure drip irrigation or micro-sprinkler system, combined with side-deep fertilization and multiple topdressing strategies. S5. Integrated management of diseases, pests and weeds: use fallen leaves to cover and suppress weeds, supplemented by targeted pre-emergent herbicides, and combine disease and pest resistant varieties with ventilation design to control diseases and pests. S6. Mechanization and traffic design: Based on forest land type and planting specifications, match agricultural machinery and equipment with appropriate turning radius and operating width; S7. Select the harvesting method according to the target harvest. Silage is harvested by cutting and crushing the whole plant at the end of milk maturity to the beginning of wax maturity. Grain is harvested by machine from the ears or kernels after the corn kernels have matured.

[0006] Preferably, in step S1, the plant height of the super dwarf corn variety is ≤1.30 meters.

[0007] Preferably, in step S2, the stand structure is adjusted so that the canopy closure is controlled below 0.6.

[0008] Preferably, in step S3, the strip layout is set in a north-south direction and combined with the design of tree light windows to improve light transmittance and ensure the light required for corn growth and development.

[0009] Preferably, in step S4, the depth of the side-deep fertilization is ≥15 cm.

[0010] Preferably, in step S4, light and soil moisture sensors and nutrient rapid testing instruments are deployed to trigger precise water and fertilizer regulation decisions.

[0011] Preferably, in step S6, the agricultural machinery with suitable turning radius and working width is a micro-medium-sized, portable, or short-frame equipment, suitable for operation in woodlands and complex terrain.

[0012] Preferably, in step S7, the harvested corn silage is used as livestock feed, and the straw after the grains are harvested is crushed and returned to the field or used as roughage.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes setting up firebreaks between corn stalks and a mechanical fire source management system after the corn reaches the waxy maturity stage.

[0014] This invention also provides an application of a method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover, applicable to coniferous forests, broad-leaved forests, economic fruit forests, and regeneration sites of artificial forests.

[0015] The present invention achieves the following beneficial technical effects compared to the prior art: This invention provides a method and application for expanding the cultivation of ultra-dwarf maize under forest cover. Through systematic integration of variety selection, stand structure optimization, fertigation, mechanization, and ecological safety management, it achieves stable establishment and high yield of maize in forest environments, significantly improving the annual availability of forest land and the comprehensive income per unit area. This method particularly emphasizes the compatibility of varieties with the forest environment, reducing the risk of poor maize growth and development and its impact on tree growth by controlling maize plant height and ear height. It optimizes light energy utilization through strip layout and light window design, combined with intelligent fertigation and ecological control measures, effectively ensuring the stability of maize growth and yield. Simultaneously, this method is compatible with both silage and grain production, promoting integrated crop-livestock development. It has strong regional adaptability and promotional value, providing reliable technical support for forest-grain or forest-grass composite systems, and possessing significant ecological, social, and economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the composite layout of trees and corn strips; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the design for forest canopy light windows and machine access lanes; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the layout of integrated water and fertilizer application (drip irrigation / micro-sprinkler + side-deep fertilization); Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operational processes for both grain harvesting and silage harvesting. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and application for the expansion of super dwarf maize cultivation under forest cover, comprising the following steps: S1. Selection of varieties and plant traits, such as Figure 4 As shown, select or breed super dwarf maize varieties with ear height ≤ 0.60 meters, short internodes, high mechanical strength, well-developed root system, and small inclination angle. The plant height of super dwarf maize varieties is ≤ 1.30 meters. S2. Forest stand spatial improvement, such as Figure 2 As shown, the forest stand structure is adjusted by retaining rows, thinning, or directional pruning to form light windows and mechanical passage corridors that allow ventilation and light penetration. The tree row spacing is ≥1.5 meters, the understory passage width is ≥0.8 meters, and the forest stand structure is adjusted to control the canopy density below 0.6. S3. Planting layout and density design, such as Figure 1 As shown, a strip or band layout is adopted, with the strip layout oriented north-south and combined with tree canopy windows to improve light transmission and ensure the light required for corn growth and development, thereby improving the utilization rate of land and light and heat resources. The corn strip width is more than 0.3 meters, the average row spacing is 0.3-0.55 meters, and the planting density is 60,000-95,000 plants / hectare. When the canopy closure is ≥0.6, the density is reduced by 5-15%. S4. Integrated water and fertilizer management, such as Figure 3 As shown, a low-pressure drip irrigation or micro-sprinkler system is deployed, combined with a strategy of side-deep fertilization and multiple topdressing. The depth of side-deep fertilization is ≥15 cm, the total pure nitrogen application rate is 120-180 kg / ha, phosphorus pentoxide is 90-150 kg / ha, and potassium oxide is 90-150 kg / ha. Light and soil moisture sensors and nutrient rapid testing instruments are deployed to trigger precise water and fertilizer regulation decisions.

[0020] S5. Integrated management of diseases, pests and weeds: use fallen leaves as mulch to suppress weeds, supplemented by targeted pre-emergent herbicides, and combine pest and disease resistant varieties with ventilation design to control diseases and pests.

[0021] S6. Mechanization and accessibility design: Based on forest land type and planting specifications, agricultural machinery and equipment with suitable turning radius and working width are matched. These are micro-medium-sized, portable or short-frame equipment, suitable for forest land and complex terrain operations.

[0022] S7. Select the harvesting method according to the target product. For silage, harvest the whole plant at the end of milk maturity to the beginning of wax maturity. For grain, harvest the ears and dry them or machine-harvest and dry them when the grain moisture content is ≤30%. After harvesting, the corn stalks are crushed and returned to the field or used as roughage. It also includes setting up firebreaks between cornfields after the corn reaches waxy maturity and implementing a system for managing mechanical fire sources.

[0023] The above-mentioned method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest can be widely applied to coniferous forests, broad-leaved forests, economic fruit forests, and artificial forest regeneration sites.

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] Example 1: Spring-sown super dwarf maize planting under coniferous forests (cedar / pine forests) This embodiment selects a Chinese fir plantation in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province as the implementation site. The plantation is 12 years old, with an average diameter at breast height of 14 cm and an initial canopy closure of 0.7. Through spring directional pruning and light thinning, the canopy closure is adjusted to 0.5, forming a mechanical passageway with a width of about 2.0 meters and multiple light windows.

[0026] The ultra-dwarf maize variety "Linyu No. 1," with an ear height ≤ 0.65 meters and a plant height ≤ 1.25 meters, was selected. Seeds were treated with seed coating before sowing to prevent seed-borne diseases. Maize planting strips were laid out along contour lines, with a width of 1.0 meter and an average row spacing of 0.5 meters (0.35 meters wide + 0.65 meters wide between wide and narrow rows), with a target density of 75,000 plants / hectare. In areas with low light, the density was appropriately lowered to 67,500 plants / hectare.

[0027] Install a low-pressure drip irrigation system. Apply 200 kg / ha of compound fertilizer as base fertilizer, with a side-deep application depth of 8 cm. Top-dress with 60 kg / ha of urea at the jointing stage and the large trumpet stage. Maintain soil moisture by mulching with straw, and perform narrow-span weed control 3 days after sowing.

[0028] The system is equipped with medium-sized seeders and harvesters with a minimum turning radius of 1.8 meters, and the slope is controlled within 10°. The entire plant is harvested at the late milk stage for silage, and the straw is crushed and returned to the field. Measurements show that this understory corn system yields 2.3 tons of silage per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), with a lodging rate of less than 5%.

[0029] Example 2: Summer replanting under broadleaf economic walnut forests This implementation example was conducted in a walnut orchard in Henan Province, with a row spacing of 4.5 meters and a canopy width of 3.2 meters. The understory received ample diffused light but experienced intermittent shading. Through light pruning in the summer, the light transmittance was increased to 35%, and the understory walkway width reached 2.2 meters.

[0030] The drought-resistant, ultra-dwarf maize variety "Yu'ai Si No. 1" was selected, with an ear height of 0.30-0.50 meters and a plant height of ≤1.30 meters. Maize strips were laid along the outer edge of the canopy, with a width of 0.9 meters, a row spacing of 0.5 meters, and a density of 78,000 plants / hectare. A micro-sprinkler system was used in conjunction with side-deep fertilization. The base fertilizer was mainly organic fertilizer, and the top dressing was applied in two applications.

[0031] The focus is on controlling corn borers and ear rot, utilizing forest litter to suppress weeds, and using targeted spraying of biological pesticides when necessary. Harvesting is done using small combine harvesters when the grain moisture content reaches 24%, with some straw returned to the field and some used as roughage. Under this model, corn yield reaches 310 kg of grain per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), while walnut production remains unaffected, resulting in a significant improvement in the overall system benefits.

[0032] Example 3: Four Seasons Management under Apple Orchard Conditions This example was conducted in an apple orchard in Shandong Province, with a row spacing of 4.0 meters and a tree height of 2.5 meters. Spring pruning ensured a 1.8-meter cross-section for mechanical passage, and the super dwarf corn variety "Luguoyu No. 1" was sown in late spring.

[0033] Mulching with plastic film is used to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. The water and fertilizer systems are managed separately from those for fruit trees to avoid root competition. Corn is fertilized at a depth of 6 cm using side-dip fertilization, with a total pure nitrogen input of 150 kg / ha. The orchard and corn stalks are mixed and composted to achieve closed-loop nutrient utilization.

[0034] Harvesting the entire plant at the late milk stage for silage yields up to 2.6 tons per mu. The organic matter content of the orchard soil increased by 0.3%, and the soil structure was significantly improved.

[0035] Example 4: Dryland-type understory maize planting system in northern shelterbelts This implementation was carried out in a poplar shelterbelt in Hebei Province, where the annual rainfall is less than 500 mm. The method involved digging moisture-retaining trenches, using straw mulch, and selecting the drought-resistant, ultra-dwarf maize variety "Jibei Dwarf Corn No. 1".

[0036] Plant density was controlled at 68,000 plants / hectare, and a low-pressure drip irrigation system was used to strictly control water and prevent evaporation. A combination of side-deep fertilization and topdressing was employed, with a total nitrogen application rate of 130 kg / hectare. Mechanical harvesting was carried out when the grain moisture content was 25%, yielding 280 kg of grain per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), and all straw was returned to the field.

[0037] The system can maintain stable yields even in mild drought years, demonstrating strong drought resistance and ecological adaptability.

[0038] Example 5: Synergistic management of light, temperature and water under tropical eucalyptus forests This embodiment is located in a eucalyptus plantation in Guangdong Province. Through thinning and pruning, patchy light windows are formed, and the understory micro-sprinkler system is used for afternoon cooling and water replenishment.

[0039] The heat-resistant, ultra-dwarf maize variety "Yuelin Silage No. 1" was selected, with a planting density of 75,000 plants per hectare. The focus was on controlling diseases caused by high temperature and humidity, prioritizing the silage route to reduce the risk of grain diseases.

[0040] Harvesting at the late milk stage yields 3.6 tons of silage per mu, increasing the system's light energy utilization rate by 22% and achieving efficient conversion of understory resources.

[0041] Example 6: Contour planting and soil and water conservation in mountainous and hilly areas This embodiment was implemented in the hilly area of ​​Sichuan Province, where corn planting belts were laid out along contour lines, interception belts were set up to control runoff, and short-wheelbase machinery was selected for operation.

[0042] The super dwarf maize variety "Chuan Ai Yu No. 1" was planted at a density of 70,000 plants per hectare. Combined with straw mulching and side-deep fertilization, it significantly reduced soil erosion. The silage yield was 3.0 tons per mu, while also improving the ecological environment of the sloping land.

[0043] Example 7: Planting in fruit orchards This embodiment was implemented in the apple, pear and other economic fruit forests in the Yellow River irrigation area of ​​Ningxia. Corn planting belts were set up along the rows of economic fruit trees (north-south rows), with dense planting, integrated water and fertilizer management, and full mechanized operation. The harvest was silage or corn ears.

[0044] The super dwarf corn variety "Yu'ai No. 1" has a density of 70,000 plants / hectare, is planted in wide and narrow rows with an average row spacing of 0.5 meters, and is managed with integrated water and fertilizer and full mechanization. It yields 2.6 tons of silage per mu and about 600 kg of grain per mu, increasing economic benefits. At the same time, the corn plants retain their roots and other plant remains in the field during winter and spring, reducing wind and dust from exposed soil, reducing weed growth during the growing season, reducing the use of chemical agents, and reducing environmental pollution.

[0045] The above embodiments demonstrate that the understory super dwarf maize expansion planting method provided by the present invention exhibits good adaptability, stability, and high efficiency under different forest types, regions, and management conditions, and has significant promotional value and comprehensive benefits.

[0046] This invention has illustrated its principles and implementation methods using specific examples. The descriptions of these embodiments are merely illustrative of the method and its core ideas; furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the principles of this invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. A method for expanding the planting of ultra-dwarf maize under forest cover, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Selection of varieties and plant traits: Select or cultivate super dwarf maize varieties with plant height ≤1.30m, ear height ≤0.60m, short stem internodes, high mechanical strength, well-developed root system and small inclination angle; S2. Stand spatial improvement: Adjusting the stand structure by retaining rows, thinning, or directional pruning to create light windows and mechanical passageways that allow ventilation and light penetration. The tree row spacing is ≥1.5 meters and the understory passage width is ≥0.8 meters. S3. Planting layout and density design: adopt strip or strip layout, depending on the forest land type, the corn strip width should be more than 0.3 meters, with equal row spacing or wide and narrow rows, and plant more than 2 rows of corn, with an average row spacing of 0.45-0.60 meters, and a planting density of 60,000-95,000 plants / hectare. When the canopy closure is ≥0.6, the density should be reduced by 5-15%. S4. Flood irrigation or fertigation, with a total pure nitrogen application rate of 120-180 kg / ha, phosphorus pentoxide of 90-150 kg / ha, and potassium oxide of 90-150 kg / ha; fertigation is implemented by deploying a low-pressure drip irrigation or micro-sprinkler system, combined with side-deep fertilization and multiple topdressing strategies. S5. Integrated management of diseases, pests and weeds: use fallen leaves to cover and suppress weeds, supplemented by targeted pre-emergent herbicides, and combine disease and pest resistant varieties with ventilation design to control diseases and pests. S6. Mechanization and traffic design: Based on forest land type and planting specifications, match agricultural machinery and equipment with appropriate turning radius and operating width; S7. Select the harvesting method according to the target harvest. Silage is harvested by cutting and crushing the whole plant at the end of milk maturity to the beginning of wax maturity. Grain is harvested by machine from the ears or kernels after the corn kernels have matured.

2. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the plant height of the super dwarf corn variety is ≤1.30 meters.

3. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the forest stand structure is adjusted to keep the canopy closure below 0.

6.

4. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, the strip layout is set in a north-south direction and combined with the design of tree light windows to improve light transmittance and ensure the light required for corn growth and development.

5. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the depth of the side-deep fertilization is ≥15 cm.

6. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, light and soil moisture sensors and nutrient rapid testing instruments are deployed to trigger precise water and fertilizer regulation decisions.

7. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S6, the agricultural machinery with suitable turning radius and working width is a micro-medium-sized, portable or short-frame equipment, which is suitable for operation in woodlands and complex terrain.

8. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S7, the harvested corn silage is used as livestock feed, and the straw after the grains are harvested is crushed and returned to the field or used as roughage.

9. The method for expanding the planting of super dwarf maize under forest cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes setting up firebreaks between cornfields after the corn reaches waxy maturity and implementing a system for managing mechanical fire sources.

10. An application of the method for expanding the understory planting of super dwarf maize as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, It can be applied to coniferous forests, broad-leaved forests, economic fruit forests, and artificial forest regeneration sites.

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